This book introduces a new perspective on the knowledge economy and the learning challenge it presents for individuals, communities and societies. It demonstrates that the debate about the role of knowledge in the economy has been framed in terms of Cartesian notions of objective and subjective knowledge and human capital notions that the aim of learning is to support people to adapt to a pre-given economic reality. The book argues that these framings rest on questionable assumptions about knowledge and learning and, in the process, deflect us from asking questions about our future economic,...

This book introduces a new perspective on the knowledge economy and the learning challenge it presents for individuals, communities and societies. It demonstrates that the debate about the role of knowledge in the economy has been framed in terms of Cartesian notions of objective and subjective knowledge and human capital notions that the aim of learning is to support people to adapt to a pre-given economic reality. The book argues that these framings rest on questionable assumptions about knowledge and learning and, in the process, deflect us from asking questions about our future economic,...

This book presents some of the most trenchant critical analyses of the widespread claims for the recent emergence of a knowledge economy and the attendant need for greater lifelong learning.
The book contains two sections: first, general critiques of the limits of current notions of a knowledge economy and required adult learning, in terms of historical comparisons, socio-political construction and current empirical evidence; secondly, specific challenges to presumed relations between work requirements and learning through case studies in diverse current workplaces that document richer...

This book presents some of the most trenchant critical analyses of the widespread claims for the recent emergence of a knowledge economy and the attendant need for greater lifelong learning.
The book contains two sections: first, general critiques of the limits of current notions of a knowledge economy and required adult learning, in terms of historical comparisons, socio-political construction and current empirical evidence; secondly, specific challenges to presumed relations between work requirements and learning through case studies in diverse current workplaces that document richer...