Comparative Analysis of University & Madrasa Students towards Democracy

Abstract

This study assesses the political attitudes in relation to democracy among university and madrassa students in Pakistan. Owing to different approaches to education in modern universities and Islamic madrassas the students develop different perceptions towards democratic processes. This study explores and compares the political attitudes towards democracy among these two students’ societies, specifically analyzing the social-cultural, educational and ideological factors that influence their attitudes. Therefore, the overall purpose of this study is to understand how educational environments contribute to the knowledge and promotion of democracy among students in order to assess the current state and potential development of democracy in Pakistan. The study uses a comparative research strategy to assess the democratic dispositions of university and madrasa students, relying on principles from political psychology and educational sociology. The results demonstrate that university students, who are groomed in liberal curriculum and critical thinking, view democracy as a tool for promoting civil activism and human rights. On the other hand, the madrasa students who are confined to Islamic teachings, may interpret and practice democracy within the framework of Islamic laws or jurisprudence. This study, therefore, highlights the need for systematic educational changes and the enhancement of the civil subjects’ curriculum within a range of educational systems to cultivate a stronger, united, and more democratic Pakistan. This qualitative study juxtaposes different significant works on the subject to bring forth the important differences in political attitudes of university and madrasa students towards democracy in Pakistan.