Citizenship Characteristics and its Education at University Campuses: A Viewpoint of University Students

Abstract

Civic education is an imperative as well as a fundamental tool for developing human and social capital around the world. Many institutes are offering civic education, and numerous studies have been conducted in the international context. Still, citizenship education in higher education in Pakistan has been the least researched area, and henceforth it has not been explored how university students rate themselves regarding knowledge and preparation of nationality; and in what way universities propose programs to inculcate civic attributes among graduates. Therefore, to investigate this problem, the current study was conducted with the objectives; of exploring students' views about the characteristics of good citizenship; to examine the role of universities in developing citizenship. Four focus groups from four universities, i.e. one focus group from each university/each focus group consisting of 9 respondents, were taken as the sample of the study. Data was collected by using a semi-structured interview protocol (i.e. a focus group questionnaire) and analyzed by thematic analysis. Findings exposed that the respondents were significantly in favor of improving social responsibility, civic skills,morality/honesty/courtesy, broad mindedness, civic participation, accountability/critical thinking,patriotism/obedience, and reliability (promise-keeping). The group's discussion indicated mixed ideas about the role of universities in developing and maintaining citizenship services at university campuses.