DPU

Based on a historical perspective the chapter traces Danish adult education policy from the 1960s, with its intertwining of popular and adult education, to the current focus on the return of investment in adult education. It is argued that documenting the drift in adult education policy is a resistant act because political solutions tend to be naturalised as ‘obvious’ answers to societal problems; therefore, the Danish tradition of popular education, with its emphasis on dialogue and empowerment through participation, holds a potential to counterbalance the hegemonic discourse of ‘qualifi cation for the labour market’ and contribute to a debate about common values and the ‘good life’ of Danish citizens.