"Delayed participation" in higher education (HE) is an increasingly important feature of modern HE systems in many countries. Despite this, surprisingly little empirical research has been undertaken seeking to better understand levels of delayed adult participation in HE across Europe. The present article responds to this gap by…

Compares different sociological factors influencing postwar British and Swedish vocational education systems. Argues that, although Swedish vocational education aimed at creating the "new citizen" and an economic skills base, both motives were absent in post-1945 Britain. Suggests that attitudes of the two countries towards vocational…