Excluded Men: Men Who Are Missing from Education and Training

Why is it that whenever new opportunities for adult learners are provided it is mostly women who take advantage of them? Evidence from the field suggests that people working in some areas of post-compulsory education and training are becoming increasingly concerned at the low participation of some groups of men. Manual workers, African-Caribbean men, disaffected young men and men aged over 40 are largely under-represented in most areas of education and training. Information on what has been successful in attracting male learners is scarce. Drawing on research into the views and attitudes of men and the views of practitioners, the study examines the reasons for male participation and sets these in the context of the social, cultural and economic changes of the last few decades. It then goes on to describe particular approaches that have been used to overcome the barriers that deter men from taking part in education and training opportunities. The book will be of interest to all working in the field of adult education and training as well as to those working with men in a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations.