Students’ perception regarding the role of student politics and unions in consolidation of fragmented political culture of Pakistan

Abstract

The student politics and unions have played a significant role throughout Pakistan’s history, but there has always been a disagreement about whether they truly and devotedly serve the purpose of training young politicians or are misused by political parties at national level. A quantitative survey design was employed to statistically assess and evaluate opinions of the students of Political Science considering their relevance in the field and study. The students expressed their belief in the purpose of student unions, particularly in training students for political participation and shaping their political perceptions. They acknowledged that political instability—endangering collective identity and national integration—is in fact the effect driven by the cause of fragmented political culture that harms political development (causal explanation). The majority shared a highly affirmative view that students who participate in such bodies have comparatively better political awareness and perception.