Adult Education and Social Science: A Theoretical Framework

Abstract

The article assesses the state of theory in the field of adult education and calls for more systematic efforts in developing related theories. Borrowing concepts and theories from established social sciences, mainly sociology and economics, is recommended as a strategy for development. An integrated theoretical framework is presented and discussed. In addition to being a means for organizing knowledge and research into main areas, the framework may be used as a basis to outline theoretical and empirical interrelations between different parts of the research field. Its basic elements are macro-level structures, supply and demand, recruitment and participation, individual outcomes, and collective outcomes. Relevant research questions generating from the framework are presented, and possible approaches to studies of each of the elements and their interrelations are suggested.