CERI - More about the Social Outcomes of Learning Project

Summary Background Paper

• Social outcomes of learning have far reaching implications that extend beyond narrow economic measures. First, economic activity is interdependent with social and political activity; and therefore, the relevance of learning is broader and more complex than its direct impact on the former. Learning experiences that have an impact on health, civic activity or social tolerance, for example, may have an economic dimension that is neglected when policy decisions are based solely on narrow return to education measures. Second, learning has an impact on our standards of living other than in terms of increased production and consumption of goods and services. Social and personal wellbeing are ends in themselves, and the effect of education on them is an important policy issue.

Background and Objectives

• The Social Outcomes of Learning project is designed to inform economic and social policy that relates to education and lifelong learning. The aims are to:
  • Synthesize what is known about the social outcomes of learning.
  • Develop coherent models for understanding better these complex links, and their implications for policy.
  • Add to the empirical knowledge base of SOL.
  • Propose ways to measure the relationships in a way that is valuable for both policy makers and researchers.