For adult educators and researchers who want to get to the root cause of the difficulties adults can have learning math. With participation in A-level and higher education math courses in real decline, more adults are going to be facing difficulties in math. The book points out ways of reconceptualizing current debates in math education, to take into account psychological and sociological perspectives. The findings have practical applications in education and training, clarifying problems such as making learning relevant to life, and countering "math anxiety." It also highlights areas for further research in mathematical and numerate thinking and emotion, particularly among adults.