The ‘double face’ of lifelong learning: Two analytical perspectives on a ‘silent revolution’

Peter Alheit, Bettina Dausien

Studies in the Education of Adults · 2002 · 170 citations · 15 references

Concepts

TL;DR

The article examines tensions between two perspectives on lifelong learning within the context of globalising imperatives and international discourses. The authors propose a theoretical view of education across the lifespan, introducing biographical learning and the biographicity of social learning processes. They contrast a social‑framework perspective with a biographical‑learning perspective, outlining how each conceptualises lifelong learning. The conclusion recommends key perspectives and research desiderata for future study.

Abstract

This article focuses on the tensions between two perspectives on lifelong learning. Perspective I examines the social framework for lifelong learning. In perspective II we put forward our own theoretical view on 'education in the life span', namely the concept of biographical learning, and outline the idea of the 'biographicity' of social learning processes. This discussion is set within the context of the globalising imperatives and international discourses of lifelong learning. In the conclusion, we suggest the main perspectives and desiderata for research

References

15