’There's no such thing as society . . .’: some problems with an individual approach to creating a Learning Society

Abstract

This article reviews the current enthusiasm for an individual approach to creating a Learning Society in the UK, particularly as typified by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Campaign for Learning. While accepting that there are good reasons for policy makers wanting to place a greater emphasis upon the role of the individual learner, the article warns that major problems confront a more learner‐centred approach. These difficulties are reviewed on three fronts. First, parts of the vocational education and training (VET) system's institutional framework are not geared to meeting the needs of the individual user, and their governance structures afford little weight to the views of individuals and their representatives. Second, the economic case for individual upskilling is much weaker than many policy makers wish to believe. Third, an undue emphasis upon individual responsibility for learning runs the risk of ignoring the major structural and societal barriers that confront many adult learners. The article concludes that while an individual focus is important, it needs to go hand in hand with wider structural change ‐‐ aimed at reforming the VET system, stimulating greater demand for skill in the UK economy, and at tackling structural barriers that impede access to learning opportunities.