Routledge Shaping Futures: Learning for Competence and Citizenship (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1998, this volume draws on studies of real-life experiences in the status passage to adulthood and argues that policies must be based on more holistic analyses of social dynamics. Karen M. Evans recognises that the time taken to reach adult status has lengthened in all the industrialised countries. At the same time, the risks for young people trying to 'make their way' have increased. How are they experiencing the new circumstances? What kinds of preparation and support do they need to become full citizens? What roles should education, training, work and the community have in providing this? As well as providing learning support, they must include measures which help to change the social and material conditions which stretch many young people beyond their capacities to cope unaided and which can defeat and ultimately exclude. Review ’This outstanding book is a refreshing change from so much half-aware writing about preparation for work or preparation for life. This book is full of meat from the author’s own researches and experience in Britain, in other European countries and North America; but it is also enriched by research partnerships across the continents. It opens our eyes to present actuality, but still more to the future already beckoning young adults personally and occupationally.’ Edmund King, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of London, UK ’...brief yet concise...Evans is successful both in provoking the reader to ask important questions surrounding citizenship and competency and in identifying some of the broader factors for supporting rather than inhibiting young people’s transitions into adulthood and the workplace.’ Journal of Youth Studies