Adult Learning in Modern Societies
An International Comparison from a Life-course Perspective
Edited by Hans-Peter Blossfeld, Elina Kilpi-Jakonen, Daniela Vono de Vilhena and Sandra Buchholz
Chapter 8: Cumulative Inequality Effects of Adult Learning in Estonia
Ellu Saar, Marge Unt and Eve-Liis Roosmaa
Extract
Fragoulis, Masson and Klenha (2004) indicate that educational reform initiatives in the 1990s and 2000s were mainly limited to the initial formal educational system in most transition countries in Europe. While this system of initial education seems to operate quite efficiently (at least in quantitative terms) and reveals superior performance (compared with the EU-15), there is a lack of educational and training provisions for adults in Estonia. All in all, one of the key problems in Estonia (just as in other transition economies) is not the low educational level of the population; rather, it is the orientation toward preparing the workforce, which often specializes in a narrow technical field and is employed in the contracting sectors and professions (Eamets 2008). An OECD report (2012) also indicates that 32 per cent of the Estonian workforce has no professional (vocational or tertiary) education and that the share of under-skilled and under-qualified persons is one of the highest among OECD countries. The availability of further education is thereby of great importance. Developments in adult learning tend to be path dependent and shaped by history. In the Estonian context (as with many other post-socialist countries), this means that there has been a need to reconcile the Soviet past with the requirements of the new regime. Due to the lack of perceived legitimacy of the old regime and scarce resources, the previously well-established institutional systems of adult learning have been discontinued.
You are not authenticated to view the full text of this chapter or article.
Elgaronline requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books or journals. Please login through your library system or with your personal username and password on the homepage.
Non-subscribers can freely search the site, view abstracts/ extracts and download selected front matter and introductory chapters for personal use.
Your library may not have purchased all subject areas. If you are authenticated and think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.