Zakir Husain Centre for Educational Studies
School of Social Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
ZHCES Seminar Series
Understanding (non)participation in university Higher Education throughout the lifecourse
Dr. Kate Lavender
Abstract: Participation in education across different age stages has long been the focus of researchers in the field of lifelong learning (Holford et al. 2022; Field, 2013; Lavender, 2020). Understanding younger adults transitions from education to work and educational decision making has been explored by those concerned with the reproduction of inequality in education (Bailey, 2018; 2021). Research concerned with older adults and their experiences of returning to education has also offered much by the way of understanding learning later in life. However, transitions in and between education are often considered through the lens of fixed roles and age based social stages (Field, 2013). Alternatively, this paper synthesises Bourdieu’s theoretical ideas with empirical data concerned with educational (non)participation in forms of lifelong education to illuminate how educational inequalities are reproduced throughout the lifecourse. It emerges from two separate studies in England. Study A explores why a group of young adults, living within traditionally working-class communities, choose not to participate in higher education. Study B considers why mature students participate in higher vocational education and how their decision to study this form of higher education specifically is shaped by their working class backgrounds. Both studies took place at large general further education colleges (FECs). By exploring both younger adults and older adults experiences of education, institutions and decision making, we consider how adults exercise agency in similar ways to different effects. Furthermore, by unpicking how social structures pervade the educational experiences of adults of different ages we illustrate the continuing power of class in educational (non)participation and decision making throughout the life course.
Bio: Dr Kate is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Director of Graduate Education at the University of Huddersfield. Her research interests are in the broad areas of: further and adult education with a particular focus on higher level education and skills in these contexts; the sociology of education and the reproduction of inequalities within Post Compulsory education; and vocational education and training policy and practice.
DATE: 17th September, 2025 (Wednesday)
TIME: 03.00pm
Venue: #207, SSS-II
(All are Welcome)