Providing a very contemporary overview of literacy, numeracy and ESOL teaching, this book presents a radically new perspective on reading, writing and mathematics among adults. In the first of its kind, Uta Papen shows how teachers and curriculum developers have much to gain from understanding the role of literacy in learners' lives, in relation to their families, social networks and their jobs. The general theme of the book looks at the significance and practicalities of how teachers and students can work with a social practice view. There is particular focus on: - how a social theory of literacy and numeracy compares with other theoretical perspectives - how to analyze reading and writing in everyday life using the concepts of social literacy as analytical tools, and what this tells us about learners' teaching needs - what is actually happening in adult basic education and how literacy is really being taught - professional development. With major policy initiatives coming into force, "Adult Literacy as Social Practice" will guide teachers and curriculum developers through this area, without the need for finding materials from different unrelated sources.