Lifelong learning in policy and practice: the case of Sweden

This paper describes the changes in lifelong learning policy that have taken place since the 1990s in Sweden. Policy documents regarding lifelong learning in Sweden have appeared since 1994. The first of these documents contains general recommendations with regard to lifelong learning, in both a lifelong and a lifewide perspective, concerning pre-school and compulsory school together with adult education and training. Much support for early stages in life can have a tendency to put adult education and learning in second place instead of the whole functioning well together. Regarding lifelong learning in practice, this paper will focus on popular education and study circles. The recently developed knitting cafes will also be accounted for. The paper also asks the question 'Who is getting education and learning in later life?' 'What are the criteria that will give individuals access to these possibilities' and 'What results can be expected?' The theoretical perspective taken in this paper is that social capital is a part of wellbeing, and the paper examines the extent to which this is connected to the social context.

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