Equality and diversity in the lifelong learning sector: By Ann Gravells and Susan Simpson. Learning Matters/Sage, London, 2nd edn, 2012, 190 pp. Further Education and Skills series. ISBN 978-0-85725-849-6 (hbk), 978-0-85725-697-3 (pbk), 978-0-85725-699-7 (e-book)

Int Rev Educ (2014) 60:581582

DOI 10.1007/s11159-014-9425-1

BOOK REVIEW

By Ann Gravells and Susan Simpson. Learning Matters/Sage, London, 2nd edn, 2012, 190 pp. Further Education and Skills series. ISBN 978-0-85725-849-6 (hbk), 978-0-85725-697-3 (pbk), 978-0-85725-699-7 (e-book)

Anne OGrady

Published online: 21 June 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning 2014

Arguably, an ultimate endeavour of lifelong learning is to support a society which does not feature social fragility, but one which is built on social justice principles. This is where the area of adult education can contribute signicantly; and where this book can add value to these considerations and discussions. In a developed westernised world where individual accountability and responsibility, and associated economically-driven policy determinants, are increasingly the order of focus for lifelong learning providers, it is nice to see a text which aims to be ambitious of its audience. This book sets out to encourage recognition of the diversity of society; with a seeming aspiration to ensure that those who are engaging with lifelong learning opportunities, predominantly as educators, participate treating all their learners fairly.

This book has been published as part of a series which aims to support practitioners in the lifelong learning sector across England in particular. The chapters are constructed to enable readers to engage...