In-depth unstructured interviews and participant observation of 43 adults showed that illiterates create reciprocal networks to which they contribute a range of skills. Illiterate adults demonstrate varying abilities to decode the social world and take action; that is, illiteracy does not imply dependence. (SK)

A qualitative study examined the way in which literacy is perceived by illiterate adults. To identify the perceptions of illiterate adults toward literacy, researchers conducted in-depth unstructured interviews with 40 illiterate native English speaking adults living in a northeastern urban area. Half the members of the study sample are currently…

To clarify and examine conventional wisdom and stereotypes about adult literacy, this paper focuses on the approaches of individually oriented and community-oriented programs. An examination of the literature base (encompassing research reports, informal accounts, manuals and handbooks, and theoretical, philosophical, and policy articles) leads to…