This book, drawing on 30 years of adult education experience in England, Ireland, India, and other countries, contrasts the individualistic approach to adult education in the West with the social responsibility view of adult education in the developing world. The book's thesis is that the gulf between the approach of the West and that of developing nations can be bridged and that the bridge lies in a properly articulated and properly understood concept of development. The book suggests that at the heart of all programs of adult education in the West should lie the concept of development, which all countries need. In the application of the concepts of development to the West, there is much to learn from the insights and experiences in developing countries. The book argues that development is not just a matter of planning or technical assistance, but includes a process of educating and training adults as the heart of development. The book is organized in three parts. Part I discusses adult learning and education, including definitions and purposes. Part II discusses development definitions, purposes, target groups, change agents, and barriers. Part III suggests a reorientation to adult education and development. A bibliography lists 130 references. (KC)