Does increasing social inequality threaten the chances of social harmony in the UK? Why and how has governmental and employer policy for lifelong learning constituted a narrowing of its compass and a failure to deliver on its emancipatory promise? Why do so few people especially young adults take an active part in politics these days, including elections, but also more widely?

This highly topical book examines the promises for social improvement, a better life and greater freedom that are deeply inscribed in enriched citizenship, a deep sense of belonging, full and open expression of people s identities and extensive engagement in lifelong learning across the lifespan. To what extent are these promises likely to be fulfilled and what barriers stand in the way of their fulfilment? To address these questions Fryer reviews a wide range of scholarly literature, policy documents and empirical data relating to citizenship, belonging and lifelong learning.

At a time when politicians and policy makers are debating the merits and demerits of the idea of the Big Society , Promises of Freedom provides a thorough introduction to the issues of citizenship, belonging and identity, and to the role of the State in relation to them, which lie at the very heart of the debate.