We live in a world where the welfare state has shrunk. On the other hand, however, there is the demand for a knowledge society, which is the challenge of the 21st century for Europe and humanity, a demand that cannot concern only the few but, on the contrary, must be integrated into a vision of expanding democracy.

On one hand, globalization diminishes the ability of states to intervene in the market economy and, consequently, in social fields; on the other hand, there is a reality that cannot be ignored by governments, which is the implementation of social policies.

In this contradictory landscape, how can lifelong learning and, consequently, adult education contribute to the exercise of social policy?

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]