The distinguished US philosopher Elizabeth Anderson, who teaches at the University of Michigan, answers questions put to her by John White about educational aspects of her work in moral and political philosophy. She begins by describing her indebtedness to Dewey in his views on developing students' capacities for intelligent enquiry and as…

Many young people in Russia find it difficult to move into employment, and given the importance of a more efficient labor force for Russia's economic future, more needs to be done by the Russian government to improve the situation. Under current conditions, the state's activity in regard to solving issues of protecting the interests of young…

The ideological transformation of the Labour Party to New Labour has resulted in supply-side approaches to lifelong learning that are not succeeding in Scotland's low-wage, low-skill economy. Despite the rhetoric, acquiring job skills does not automatically result in employability, without government intervention. (Contains 15 references.) (SK)

This paper argues the case for re-visiting the concepts of high and low skills as used in academic and political debates in the older industrial countries. There the concept of low skills has, for a number of reasons, acquired negative connotations in that low skilled jobs are seen to "drag down" the economy and therefore something which…

Includes "Commentary" (Alan Tuckett); "Lifelong Learning" (Malcolm Wicks); "An Opposition View" (Tim Boswell); "Opening up the Learning Market" (Jacqui Henderson); "Ringing in the Changes" (Chris Hughes); and "More Reasons to Be Cheerful, More Causes for Concern" (Alastair Thomson). (SK)

The British government's policy of flexible labor market may be interpreted as either flexibility of conditions, which encourages temporary, contingent work, or flexibility of skills, a repertoire that enables workers to undertake a range of tasks as needed. The challenge for educators is to help workers understand and engage in an uncertain world…

Reactions to proposed British legislation include "A Warm Welcome"; "Learning to Succeed" (Taubman); "Counting down to 1 April 2001" (Silver, Gravatt); "Two Cheers (at Least) for the Learning and Skills Bill" (Taylor); "Reflecting Our Priorities" (Gibson); "The Beginning of a Golden Age?"…

Improved economic trends have assured jobs for all. They may be low-paying, but this does not cause poverty. Many persons want "good" jobs for which they are not qualified. Welfare dependence stems from the reluctance of adults to work at menial jobs. To be decided is whether the government is obligated to provide good jobs. (VM)

Homelessness in the United Kingdom has very wide ramifications. Young homeless people face a difficult transition into adult life as poverty, low self-esteem, lack of family support, and lack of qualifications reinforce each others' effects. Homeless young people start behind their peers in educational achievement. Government policies put up…

The Secretary of Labor's recommendations for changing the U.S. work force include (1) bridging the gap between workers and employment opportunities; (2) improving the school-to-work transition; (3) providing lifelong learning opportunities for current workers; and (4) preparing all potential workers in the shrinking labor pool. (SK)

The author states that the task of overcoming skill shortages, retooling the workforce and training new workers will be difficult and expensive, but it must be done, and done quickly. A chart listing projected demands for skilled workers by 1987 is included. (CT)

The focus of this congressional hearing on job retraining is on examination of the linkage between industrial competiveness and retraining and examination of the actions necessary to ensure that American workers are equipped with appropriate skills. Testimony includes statements and prepared statements from Representatives in Congress and from…

National Longitudinal Survey on Youth data indicate a large proportion of each youth cohort is still struggling in the labor market in their early 30s. Unemployment spells of long duration are common. A future problem is scarcity of needed skills in the kinds of jobs that will have to be created if the nation's economy is to regain its competitive…

This paper assesses the youth employment situation from a policymaking perspective. The first of three main sections provides a largely statistical overview of the current youth labor market. The 1980s recession is said to be a depression for youth, especially minority youth. Increases in teenage unemployment are documented, and asserted to be the…

This paper documents the gap between the supply of and demand for adult services in each state of the United States, places this situation in its political context to explain why this gap exists, and discusses policy alternatives. The paper profiles the nature of the population of individuals with disabilities exiting public education and examines…