Moral education in plural contexts: Insights from Pakistan’s diverse educational sectors

Document Type

Article

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

Moral education aims to foster values for developing responsible, caring members of society while equipping youth with skills to navigate a globalized world, fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding. This qualitative study examined how three Pakistani education sectors—public schools, private schools, and religious seminaries, at the secondary level (grades 9 and 10)—are geared toward the moral upbringing of students. The study explored the three sectors’ teachers’ perceptions, practices and challenges that they faced in this regard. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations of eighteen participant teachers. Findings revealed that teachers’ perceptions and practices on facets of moral education were narrow and limited. Challenges included lack of support from social and school environments. Data also underscored a chasm in society caused by the presence of Eastern, Western, and Islamic moral values. This study proposes the incorporation of moral education in the professional development of teachers and a more inclusive approach which caters to diverse standpoints for a globalized society.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Global Ethics

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/17449626.2026.2726742

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