This book brings out the need for lifelong learning theory and explores how it is possible from a postmodern perspective. The book uses life history that has gained its popularity in social science research to overcome the dichotomy between individual and society or between agency and structure. Life history also reflects the postmodern or late-modern conditions of social life. In this book, the author uses a collection of published oral history narratives of famous Korean artists and craftsmen. The author maps out life and learning of five such artists and craftsmen with figurations of escaping, creating, controlling and formalizing. These figurations are images of ‘Rhizoactivity’ that the author proposes as a new conceptual tool to navigate lifelong learning from a postmodern perspective. This book signalises a new way of theory building in the field of adult and lifelong education. The Life and Learning of Korean Artists and Craftsmen: Rhizoactivity conceptualises: Adult learning in terms of postmodern and lifelong learning conditions Life histories as a method of researching lifelong learning The four facets of artistic journeys – escaping, creating, controlling and formalizing This book will interest researchers focusing on lifelong and adult education. Its use of social theories in its study of lifelong learning amongst Korean artists will also interest sociologists and educators concerned with the sociology of education.

Today’s global knowledge economy requires individuals and companies alike to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies. To remain competitive, both must continually seek out the latest advancements and developments, and upgrade their skillsets accordingly. In the United States, however, support for ongoing education lags far behind other developed nations, creating a crippling skills gap between the workforce and industries in the US and its global competitors.In a country that has been multiple steps ahead of everyone else since its birth, how did this happen? Why are other countries, previously inferior when it came to technological advancements, suddenly faring markedly better? What keeps our nation’s vast network of corporate training, workforce development, and K-12 and college education so fragmented and inefficient? In the tells-it-like-it-is Learning for Life, readers will learn about:• Why America’s existing educational models are failing employees and employers• The shift in content knowledge toward new ways of thinking and working• Policies and programs that are working in the US and abroad• Recommendations for overhauling our education and training infrastructure and building partnerships between providers and employersThe stakes are too important for America to continue falling behind in its education. But the good news is, the pathways to get us back to the top are there ahead of us. Learning for Life points the way forward.