The Influence of Social Class Behavior Upon Adult Education Participation

Abstract

This paper discusses theoretical bases of methodology and the concept of social class as used in participation studies; and a descriptive study and analytic survey of adult education programs of a middle sized city. The goal of the study was to ascertain what parts of the population are most likely to participate; what factors are influential to participation; and what barriers keep those individuals from participating in an adult education activity. The study describes the subjects, modes of instruction, agencies, clientele, and the interconnections between these elements. The analytic survey using matched sample of male middle class and working class participants and non-participants traces connections of adult education participation and other facets in social life, i.e. vocations, jobs, leisure pursuits, etc. Emphasis is on differ ences between higher/lower socio-economic groups. Findings and implications of working class adults are presented; methodological suggestion are given for further adult education participation research.