Exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity: Parents' perspectives on co-education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence parental perspectives on co-education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in Pakistan renowned for its diversity and cultural richness. The primary objective was to investigate the impact of various socioeconomic statuses, cultural norms, and societal expectations on parents' educational choices for their children. We gathered information from a group of 220 parents in the Mardan District using structured questionnaires and a research method that describes and looks for connections. We selected the parents through several rounds of random sampling. Furthermore, we used chi-square and gamma analysis to assess relationships between key variables in the data. The study reveals a significant correlation between parents' socioeconomic status and education choices. Families with higher financial resources and educational backgrounds tend to favor co-educational systems, recognizing their benefits in social skills and career readiness. In contrast, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to favor single-gender education. The study highlights significant differences attributed to financial constraints and cultural factors and recommends engaging the community, providing financial assistance for co-education enrollment, and enhancing school safety and gender equality. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing parental concerns about co-education.