The present paper sought to offer a theoretical perspective on the social practice approach (SPA) in adult literacy since its conceptualization in the early 1980s. It aims to provide a holistic understanding of SPA by examining its objectives, development, and practical applications. The analysis highlights how the SPA differs from traditional models by integrating literacy into the social, cultural, and economic contexts of learners' lives. It is argued that the social practice approach is crucial for ending the divide between literates and illiterates, which fractures society into dominant and marginalized groups. Examples of using the social practice approach in Europe, as well as in other countries, are presented as potential ways forward. The paper concludes with a call for future research to empirically validate the practical implication of the social practice approach in adult literacy.