SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ RELIGIOSITY IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

From the time of classical to contemporary sociologists, religion and religiosity have always been one of the core areas of theorizing and research in sociology. One such arena is religiosity among students in the higher education institutions. In the context of Pakistan, religiosity among students in the higher education is one of the hot topics. The aim of this study, thus, was largely a descriptive effort and to explore students’ religious engagements and commitments in higher education. The study universe was QAU, Islamabad, Pakistan. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, I investigated various religious activities and participation of students. The data for the study come from 17 in-depth interviews with postgraduate, both male and female, students of social sciences. Respondents were recruited in the study with the help of purposive sampling technique. Employing a constructionist approach. I used thematic analysis and case study method as it provided the requisite access and tools to uncover participants' religious practices and beliefs in naturalistic environment. Two key approaches “Luckmann’s Secularization theory” and “Charles Glock’s Five Dimensions of Religiosity” were engaged as theoretical framework for the informed analysis of field data. The outcomes of the study revealed that there was a diverse range of response trajectories among students in relation to their religious practices, engagement, and beliefs within a university setting. Initially, it is worth noting that although a subset of students managed to uphold their religious practices, the prevailing trend among the students was a decline or abandonment of religious practices. In a similar vein, a significant majority of students opt to individualize their practices and tend to engage in them within private spheres. Furthermore, a significant number of students rationalized their religious practices. There was also an observed decrease in religious participation and a trend towards the indigenization of prayer-seeking practices. iii Unexpectedly, higher education has also served as a catalyst for the consolidation of students fundamental beliefs. Finally, rationalization of religious beliefs was also observed. The study recommends further research to explore the dynamics of students’ religious engagements and commitments while taking other social attributes like ethnicity, sect, class etc. in considerations.