AN INVESTIGATION OF LIFELONG LEARNING IN RELATION TO DEMOGRAPHIC DIMENSIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF BAHRAINI WOMEN

This investigation explores Lifelong Learning (LLL) in relation to Bahraini women in terms of what LLL is about according to personal and professional development in a range of situations. In order to determine the relationships between Lifelong Learning (LLL) and demographic dimensions both the literature and available government published data were reviewed. For the investigation a quantitative survey approach was undertaken using a researcher-developed scale. A total of 146 valid responses were collected from different Bahraini women from different working sectors, different age groups and working status. The results reveal strong and significant correlations between most of LLL and demographic dimensions; also the relation between age and LLL was found to be significant.
Besides illustrating LLL as an important source of influence for women, this research establishes a new direction that helps to focus on LLL initiatives with relevance to women regardless of women’s working conditions or age group. The scale developed for this research can be generalised and used as a self-assessment tool for the effectiveness of LLL and programmes. Research limitations are around being carried out in only one country, with no comparative data with the other gender and therefore the model proposed in this research paper needs further investigation by future research and a longitudinal study.