Book excerpt: This book examines how adult education is influenced by and has an influence on the society in which it takes place. It presents a clear analysis of the development challenges and sociological realities of the adult education context and explores the potential of adult education to help African countries and communities achieve their developmental goals. Issues discussed include: adult education, social change and development; community education; race, ethnicity and religion; social class and gender; empowerment; democracy; health and HIV/AIDS; poverty and debt; globalisation and the environment.