A study was conducted to explore the relationship between anomia (a feeling of alienation, of being cut off from society), attitude toward adult education, and nonparticipation in formal adult education activities. The subjects of the study were adults who lived in a specific area in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which had the following characteristics: The working inhabitants were mainly blue-collar workers, over 99% were white, and formal adult education activities were available in or near the area. Out of a systematic sample of 201 households, 147 adults responded to an interview schedule, a response rate of 73%. Conclusions based on statistical analyses of the findings were as follows: The higher the level of anomia a person has, the less favorable his or her attitude toward adult education; the attitude toward adult education of nonparticipants in formal adult education activities is significantly lower than that of participants; and only those nonparticipants who are 26.5 years or older are more likely to have higher levels of anomia than participants. A solid majority of nonparticipants surveyed indicated a desire to learn. Therefore, it is suggested that adult educators examine the effectiveness of their methods for extending their services to those adults who do not participate in formal adult education. A more personal approach to reaching nonparticipants--through acquaintances, friends, and relatives or through organizations to which adults belong--may be more effective with blue-collar workers. (LMS)