Facing Precarity in Adult, Community, and Vocational Education: Role of Meaningful Work

Amidst the reverberations of neoliberalism, academia grapples with a rising precariat facing short-term contracts and heightened flexibility, particularly in adult, community, and vocational education. This escalating issue presents a myriad of challenges, creating a need for thoughtful exploration and meaningful solutions. Precarity, fueled by globalized politics, disproportionately impacts educators, creating a complex landscape. Within this context, the book Facing Precarity in Adult, Community, and Vocational Education: Role of Meaningful Work emerges as a critical guide. By delving into the intricacies of precarity, shedding light on inadequacies in current theories, and exploring the role of unions, this volume serves as a comprehensive resource. It not only illuminates the experiences of the precariat but also proposes strategies for cultivating meaningful work and self-care within the tumultuous terrain of modern academia. This edited volume aims to dissect the web of politics and policies shaping precarity in adult, community, and vocational education. It delves into the limitations of current theories in capturing the experiences of the precariat, explores the impact of unions and union learning on educators' precarity, and presents firsthand narratives from educators navigating this challenging landscape. Crucially, the book examines the concept of meaningful work and self-care in the context of precarity, offering insights into what these elements look like for educators grappling with the effects of neoliberalism. This thought-provoking volume is crafted for a diverse audience, including writers, researchers, and practitioners actively involved in adult, community, and vocational education. Additionally, it is an essential resource for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the impacts of neoliberalism on employment and precarity, the pivotal role of unions in educational settings, and the intersection of meaningful work and self-care within the realm of academia. Educators at all levels, administrators, policymakers, and advocates for labor rights will find this book to be a valuable and insightful guide as they navigate the complexities of contemporary education and employment landscapes.