This report sets out to establish the need for and to define a type of adult education for the socialization of adults. It arises from the meeting of a steering group responsible for the "Adult Education and Social Change" project, which studied educational practices relating to the long-term unemployed and older people. The key points listed epitomize the steering group's approach and define "a socializing type of adult education." Aimed at those with responsibility for social policy within Member States of the Council of Europe, Part I states the case for an autonomous system of adult education. It summarizes the philosophy underlying this education as observed during study visits and indicates responses adult education has to offer to the social challenges of the present time. Finally, this section proposes an outline for political action designed to systematize this type of education and provide it with institutional, financial, structural, methodological, and other forms of autonomy. Part II outlines, in the light of the topic groups' field observations, some forms that such education might take and the successful practices that might serve as relevant guidelines. Topics include the following: target populations; education made to measure; managing and organizing a flexible education system; strategic guidelines; an open education; learner-centered action; a holistic approach to education; adapting resources to adult education; giving a central role to evaluation; and professionalizing adult educators. (YLB)