Participation Theories in AET

This chapter examines the complexities of participation in Adult Education and Training (AET) across Europe, drawing on data from international surveys conducted since the 1990s and introducing the bounded agency model. This model elucidates the interplay of personal, institutional, and life circumstances in shaping an individual’s decision to engage in AET. The analysis encompasses a broad spectrum of influences, from institutional and organisational factors to individual socio-demographic characteristics, illustrating how these elements collectively determine access to and participation in AET. Additionally, the chapter notes a marked rise in participation rates, especially in job-oriented Non-Formal Education supported by employers, and addresses educational inequality through the perspectives of the Matthew Effect and the Partial Democratisation thesis. This discussion underlines the intricate web of factors influencing AET participation, highlighting the importance of a detailed understanding of these interrelated dynamics.