Gender Gaps in Participation in Adult Education in Europe: Examining Factors and Barriers

Abstract

This chapter asks how barriers to equal participation in adult education play out differently between (a) men and women and (b) women from different class and ethnic backgrounds. European Social Survey and Adult Education Survey data analyses confirm that low social origin is a significant barrier. Other socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics can also act as barriers. The chapter draws attention to intersectionality: multiple simultaneous disadvantages, including gender (for women), social origin (for adults whose parents have basic or lower levels of education), and having an ethnic minority or migrant background. Women are less likely to receive financial support from their employer, though more likely to do so from public institutions. Ethnic minority status has a stronger negative effect for women than for men. Mediterranean and post-socialist welfare regimes reduce the effects of intersectionality less than social-democratic regimes.