Abstract:

The main objective of this study is to help to solve the problem of inequity in education. A second more detailed objective is to explore if life-long learning may contribute to eliminate discrimination in education with special focus on the groups that suffer most from the discrimination. The problem of inequity in education seeks urgent solution in today's knowledge economy that requires continuous acquisition of knowledge and learning of new skills and competences to enhance talent and increase innovation. To meet the requirements of the knowledge economy the whole talent pool including the most vulnerable groups should be able to learn on equal terms and contribute with their full capacity and talent to the development and well-being of the entire society. Given this, the third objective of this study is to explore if life-long learning as a flexible and broad approach may meet the requirements of knowledge economy by providing equal learning opportunities for everybody and, subsequently, integrate minority groups in education in order to increase the talent pool. To achieve the three objectives, this study explores the potential of life-long learning when it comes to eliminating inequity in education and providing learning opportunities for all including the most vulnerable minorities in order to increase the talent pool.

This study aims at solving the research problem of eliminating inequity in education with the help following research questions:
(1) what are the main objectives of life-long learning?
(2) which are the main minority groups that face injustice and discrimination in education?
(3) how may life-long learning contribute to enhancing equity in education and providing equal learning opportunities for all throughout life?
(4) what kind of policies are needed for creating equal life-long learning opportunities for the most vulnerable groups with special focus on people with disabilities?
(5) how may life-long learning affect knowledge economy?

As this study aims at gaining deep knowledge about the implications of life-long learning for discrimination in education, and about the effects of life-long learning on knowledge economy, the qualitative research method is chosen. Applying qualitative research method, this study helps to develop and increase understanding about the long-standing problem of inequity in education. The study is based on previous theoretical and empirical research in the field of education, and on international conventions and research documents. The results indicate that life-long learning has great potential for meeting the requirements and needs of knowledge economy, whereas it seems to provide only partial solutions for solving the problem of inequity in education when it comes to minority groups and the most vulnerable individuals such as people with disabilities.

Keywords:

Life-long Learning, Injustice in Education, Knowledge economy, Minority Groups, People with Disabilities.