Adults engaged in lifelong learning in Taiwan: Analysis by gender and socioeconomic status

Author/s: Dian-Fu Chang, Ming-Lieh Wu and Sung-Po Lin

Edition: Volume 52, Number 2, July 2012

Summary: This study examines the nature of adult engagement in lifelong learning in Taiwan. Previous studies have shown that gender and socioeconomic status (SES) are key variables related to equal access to education. Are these variables related to adults’ engagement in lifelong learning in a specific country? This study analysed data from a survey of adults that was administered by the Ministry of Education in 2009. The results show a strong relationship between gender, SES and the learning experiences of adults. Women inlow and middle SES groups were more likely to engage in lifelong learning. This study reveals that women’s engagement in lifelong learning depended on their family concerns. Men’s engagement in lifelong learning, in contrast, was often for career or work-related reasons. By explaining the connections between the gender and SES of adult learners engaging in lifelong learning, the results of this study will enrich the context of lifelong learning.

Keywords: lifelong learning, Taiwan, gender, socioeconomic, adult learners