A study to explore characteristics and determinant factors of participation in lifelong learning for the underprivileged

This study investigates characteristics of the underprivileged who participate in lifelong learning in Korea. Data was analyzed from the 2009 National Survey of Lifelong Learning in which 4,500 adults aged 25 to 64 were interviewed. The findings show that the underprivileged are less likely than the general group to participate in lifelong learning. Notably, in spite of a relatively big investment in job-related programs, the underprivileged participants are not satisfied with learning experiences in those programs. In addition, the underprivileged are more likely to participate in group-oriented educational programs. To increase participation in lifelong learning for the underprivileged population, it will be necessary to create policies that consider the learning characteristics and interests of the underprivileged group.