What are the possibilities of women's empowerment in (feminist) Adult Learning spaces in Iran and Scotland?

Abstract

In this study I have explored the capacities of Adult Learning in Iran and Scotland to empower women. I have compared and contrasted the similarities and differences between the formations of Adult Learning in Iran and Scotland. This study is a qualitative study and consists of extraction of semi-structured interviews. Interviewees have been Adult Educators and facilitators in Iran and Scotland. I have shown in this thesis that Adult Education has been changed in its political essence and turned into a tool for psycho-social skills development. However, different configurations of Adult Learning visa-vis feminist contributions may be distinguished in the these spaces. In this thesis Adult Education is being considered in its broader contexts as Adult Learning. Through this study it has been shown that Adult Learning spaces has been the site of transformatory movements for women, especially Muslim women. However, the modes and qualities of change is different in the context of Iran as a Muslim majority country with Scotland as a host for Muslim minority migrants. It is indisputabale that in some instances Adult Learning may be a tool for moving from the present conditions. Nevertheless, this movement may be translated differently in diverse contexts. Sometimes change may be brought about through reproduction of present situation though. It is mandatory to be cautious of the dynamics of the Adult Learning and its potentials which may be merged with knowledge building projects such as Islamic Feminism as far as women’s empowerment is concerned. There are possibilities for women empowerment through implementation of theories such as Islamic Feminism into Adult Learning and vise versa.