Barriers to co-education in Pakistan and its implications on girl education: critical review of literature

Abstract

Education is the fundamental right of every individual. Today, those societies have excelled in every field of life where man and woman are provided equal opportunities for education. This research study focuses on various socio-cultural and political impediments to co-education in Pakistani society. The main research question was that how Pakistani social structure is a hurdle to co-education. For this purpose, this study critically analyzed the socio-cultural, religious and politico conditions of Pakistani society in the context of co-education. The main findings of the study were derived from critical review of literature. As a result of investigation into the existing literature, the study found some socio-cultural, political, economic and religious barriers to co-education in Pakistani society. For example, the study discovered some hurdles to co-education such as patriarchic system, male dominancy, conservatism, rigid customs and traditions, stereotyped social codes, acute and chronic poverty, male insularity towards women role, complex social structure, Pardah (veil) system, religious misperceptions, illiterate Mullah (clergymen), gender disparities, female segregation, domestic affairs and lack of women political empowerment. On the basis of the findings, this study concludes that removal of these hurdles would pave the way for promotion of girl's education.