Adult education in Finland is examined as a second chance for those held back through inadequate education. Interviews with 3,990 adults make it clear that the ideal is not being fully realized. The probability of participation in adult education is heavily influenced by social status, cultural capital, and other factors. (SLD)

Provides a brief overview of the Finnish educational system and examines the effects of family educational and socioeconomic background on access to and success in higher education. Data on 1985 and 1990 secondary school graduates and young adults indicated that children tended to aim at the same sort of education and jobs as their parents. (MDM)