Political Socialization in Pakistan: A Study of Madrassa Education System

Abstract

The Madrassa system has been providing an alternative mean to get education, which is religious in nature, according to the Islamic traditional values and is also affordable. Madrasa system in Pakistan is performing the functions of educational institution. Political socialization can be defined as acquisition of political culture and incorporation of political norms. To have a stable society is very important to study the political socialization. Madrassa as a part of education institution is likely to affect the political system of Pakistan, which is another social institution and vice versa through political socialization. The study is focused on the political socialization of the Madrassa students of Pakistan. An effort has been made to study the political socialization through the variables, political trust, citizens’ duties, political efficacy, political participation and political knowledge. The study is based on the primary data collected using mix research method to study the political socialization of madrassa through these variables. The qualitative and quantitative strands are carried out in split manner yet concurrently and are incorporated while interpreting a comprehensive and substantiated conclusion. The findings of the study show that madrassa students trust on the political system of Pakistan, they behave in society as good citizens by obeying the laws and rules set by the government as a citizen of a country. The students take part in the politics by supporting and voting for some candidate. Most of them have affiliation with some political parties. The findings of the study also show that the political knowledge of madrassa students increases with increase in their age. The study concludes that the madrassa education system is contributing in political system of the Pakistan through socializing the madrassa students about the politics. Both students and the teachers of madrassa understand the concepts of political trust, citizen duties, political efficacy, political participation and political knowledge.