Literature on the national poverty war is examined, focusing on concepts of community action and resident participation as contributors to adult education of the poor for improved social and civic competence. The literature is found to demonstrate positive, though limited, aspects of participation as civic education. (AG)

Post-World War II adult civic education sought to promote citizen participation, individual development, and the creation of an aware and informed citizenry. The objectives were the creation of a public opinion able to assess critically the accomplishment of government, and citizens able to identify and solve common social problems. (Author/AG)

A review of Chinese adult and continuing education traces the experimentation, innovations, and philosophy of the last 50 years. The consolidation and perpetuation of the Communist social revolution through educational channels, various programs and institutions, and the effects of the 1966 Cultural Revolution are examined. (LH)