LIFELONG LEARNING: TODAY AND TOMORROW

The background that is contested by various stakeholders in post-industrial and knowledge-based societies is considered in this article. The paper argues for reclamation of lifelong learning by local communities and organizations committed to its use for the greater public goodness rather than for private profit. Author takes a critical view of lifelong learning and argues that its ability to enhance democracy in the 21st century is being compromised. Whereas one part of the current lifelong learning discourse is couched in terms of empowering individuals, allowing citizens to participate more fully in social, economic and democratic processes, other part considers markets, commodities and value adding. These parts are not mutually exclusive. There are associated risks when one part gains hegemonic ascendancy in the contested grounds of lifelong learning.