Jam, Jerusalem and calendar girls: Lifelong learning and the Women's Institutes (WI)

Abstract

Both lifelong learning and community are central to the mission of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (WI). Their website, for example, states that the WI aims to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills—key elements of lifelong learning and active citizenship. The research project reported in this paper considers questions of learning and citizenship for members of the WI. The research includes interviews with women attending Denman College, the residential college of the WI, together with observations, a focus group and questionnaires. The women involved in this research were nearly all over 50, most identified as middle class, and all appeared to be committed to Denman College and/or to women-focused learning in a residential setting. The paper raises questions about older learners, social class, active citizenship and community.

Keywords:

• Women's Institute
• older learners
• active citizenship
• community
• social class
• social capital