One thing is certain - once the forward step is made, it is almost impossible to go back. 2. What views about the impact of capitalism on adult education activities are represented in the readings?

In "From Training to Education," Kai-Ming explains how adult education became an integral part of manpower planning. In a socialist world, adult education was "not meant to be a second route for individuals' upgrading and upward mobility" (Kai-Ming). An individual's interest did not extend beyond the state's interest and there was "no room for personal mobility beyond the state plans" (Kai-Ming). The influence of the market has caused changes in the system and the way it used to work. Around 1980, the state began to allow private enterprises to become involved in joint ventures and self-employment. This paved the way for more employment opportunities, which resulted in a broader job market. This new job market was what Kai-Ming referred to as a "newcomer" to socialist communities. Slowly over time, individuals started searching for jobs that appealed to them rather than to the state. By the 1990s, there was even a growing movement to disassemble the state-driven aspect of the economy. In an attempt to eliminate a rise in unemployment, the state sector of the government...

This change represents how individuals can select their education and their vocation and have that decision prove to be a successful one. According to Kai-Ming, the market has "given room and provided incentives for individual endeavor in adult education" (Mai-King). In addition, the collapse of the state-driven employment system is the result of what happens when people are allowed to choose. Mai-king also asserts that the "real proof for the self-study examination is its acceptance by the market" (Mai-King). The added benefit of this change in the system is that the state does not have the responsibility of the individuals as it once had. Now, it is up the individuals to "demonstrate their value to potential employers" (Mai-King). These are not the only was that capitalism impacts adult education. Mai-King maintains that the most "significant change" (Mai-King) is the long-term effects of adult education, which "goes beyond academic qualification and employment" (Mai-King). Mai-King refers to five aims of adult education, including training for job transfers or re-employment, remedial education for dropouts, and continuous education.
Works Cited

Kai-Ming, Cheng, et al. "From Training to Education: Lifelong Learning in China."