Sociocultural concerns have provided the framework for literacy expectations throughout the history of the United States, and have determined the extent to which national emphasis has been placed on adult literacy programs. Early literacy programs have been traced to the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The next surge of interest in literacy programs came when the combined impact of immigration during the industrial revolution, the progressive reform movement, and World War I forced societal change. Other crises--the Depression and World War II--moved the federal government to action in this area. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s marked another period of societal change, accompanied by renewed interest in adult literacy. The concept of functional literacy developed during this period, which also led to a significant increase in adult literacy programs, such as the Right-to-Read program. Today, adult literacy in the workplace is increasingly important as the United States economy moves from an industrial base to an information-driven, technological base. Addressing this change, the Adult Literacy Initiative, designed to promote national awareness about adult illiteracy and encourage private sector involvement and the recruitment of volunteers, was announced in 1983 by President Reagan. Development of adult literacy programs must continue to assist and educate individuals in preparing for and adapting to the technological changes which are being implemented. (Forty-one references are appended.) (MM)