Researching the political economy of adult learning systems. Theoretical amendments and empirical findings

Abstract

The article relates to different approaches which emphasize a multi-level perspective as well as the institutional conditions that shape adult education. With reference to both the political economy approach and the governance perspective, it is outlined how these more general approaches can be theoretically amended by neo-institutional ideas especially when considering the institutional conditions that shape adult education at an organizational level. Based on a re-analysis of interview data, the findings provide first empirical indications of how institutional conditions of adult education organizations (e.g. the actors involved and their institutionalized relationships of interdependency) can be further specified when neo-institutional ideas are taken into account.

The provision of adult education in Ethiopia: ‘policy initiatives and practice’ in focus from qualitative findings – A meta synthesis study

“…It might explain why the implementation of the AE policy and strategy has had such poor results ( Kenea, 2014 ). The AE system must be included in the larger economic, social, and cultural system, far from the political perspective ( Schemmann et al., 2020 ). As a result, it can improve the distribution of social justice and educational opportunities for individuals who previously lacked them.…”

“…The most powerful tool to combat poverty, discrimination, and all other types of basic human rights exclusion is education, be it formal or informal ( Avdagi, 2017 ; Boyadjieva and Ilieva-Trichkova, 2017 ; Kebede and Muhamedhusen, 2016 ; Awgechew, 2016 ; Yilfashewa and Garkebo, 2017 ). Education has a significant impact and reflects the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of society ( Wirtu, 2019 ; Schemmann et al., 2020 ). Therefore, every country that wants to experience economic prosperity and treat its population fairly must create an effective educational system and policy ( Awgechew, 2016 ).…”