This paper examines the idea of qualitative comparing in order to create a "heuristic concept" that will enable relational structures to be examined, drawing on the sociological tradition founded by Norbert Elias. Subsequently, an empirical research example -- the comparison of three "mentality spaces" in post-socialist…

This paper argues that there is no other way to describe history, and particularly the personal life history of people, apart from in the form of a narrative. It also suggests that as history is not understandable, save in the form of a narrative, the narration as such "makes" history. Drawing on the findings of a research project on…

Focuses on tensions between two perspectives: a global political consensus on lifelong learning as reorganization of the education system and a phenomenology of lifelong learning that depicts education as a biographical process. Presents research needs focused on social learning. (Contains 93 references.) (SK)

Explores the postmodernization of society, increased social pluralism, altered biographical patterns, and the emergence of new learning environments. Concludes that the Learning Society is a political concept and there is a paradigm shift away from education and training toward learning. (SK)