The Role of Higher Education in Transformation of Political Attitudes and Political Culture

Abstract

Political stability is one of the parameters of a stable and strong society. Political development refers to the increase in the national political unity, political sense, and political participation in the community as a whole. Higher education institutions are known to be associated with the social, political, and economic implications of a country. These institutions contribute to social and human development through a change process. Universities sensitize and educate the community and became a source of political upheaval, democracies, and rule of law. This study is an effort to probe the community, alumni, and the professionals of the universities of Southern Punjab regarding their role in political development and change. The study was descriptive and based on the perspectives of the 600 stakeholders in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A survey was conducted and results were obtained through a self-developed questionnaire, document analysis and open discussion with interview protocol. It was concluded that the universities are sensitizing their students to play their role in the political process. It was further established that universities are playing their role in increasing voter turnout.