Die (Un-)Verantwortlichkeiten von Verbänden und Trägern für die „Allmenden der Weiterbildung“

The growing economization of the field of continuing education is often criticized–there is a loud call for more government regulation. Yet don’t those who are active in the field of continuing education, i.e. the associations and providers, also bear a share of the responsibility? The author of this article recommends reflecting more on one’s own actions and forging networks instead of complaining about the participation of the government and the tendency to economize. Critical reflection and a willingness to change are in order. According to the main findings, the visibility of continuing education can be enhanced with joint educational centres, certification systems that are valid between institutions, common standards for minimum staff qualifications and joint counselling centres. What’s more: those who are active in continuing education could themselves assume responsibility for the “continuing education commons” in the sense of a public, collectively used good. Science and research are assigned the role of the observer or even the actor whose neutrality must be scrutinized. The article concludes with suggestions of what providers and associations might be able to concretely and cooperatively strive toward and achieve together. (Ed.)