The Influence of Islam, Gender Roles, and Social Class on Educational Attainment of Pakistanis in Los Angeles County and Lahore, Pakistan PDF Print E-mail

Abu Halimeh, Debbie Ismat, Ed D. Azusa Pacific University, 2000. 101 pages. Adviser: Rooney, Patrick. Publication Number: AAT 3001506.

Educational patterns are greatly affected by numerous factors such as cultural values, gender roles, economics, and religion. This study analyzed socioeconomic factors and the influence of Islamic practices on the educational attainment of Pakistanis in Los Angeles County and Lahore, Pakistan. The methodology of the study included a total of 270 written surveys that were distributed by mail, in person at an Islamic Center in Los Angeles County, at a Pakistani community in Culver City, and in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 85 responses were received among which were 40 males, 35 females, and 10 children. A total of 55 respondents were selected for in-depth interviews which were conducted in Los Angeles and in Lahore.

From these surveys and in-depth interviews, the following findings were revealed: (1) Educational attainment was higher in homes where the mother was unemployed and had completed a university degree. (2) Among females, the fewer number of children in the home, the higher the level of educational attainment. (3) As family income increased educational attainment increased. (4) As the time devoted to the practice of Islam decreased, educational attainment increased. (5) Educational attainment was higher among second and third generation immigrants than first generation immigrants. (6) Educational attainment was higher among Pakistani immigrants in Los Angeles than in Lahore, Pakistan. The following recommendations are suggested to increase educational attainment of Pakistanis in Los Angeles and in Lahore: (1) It is recommended that Pakistani women should have increased access to educational opportunities. (2) It is recommended that Pakistani women should have access to employment that does not interfere with educational opportunities for themselves or for their children. (3) It is recommended that first generation Pakistani immigrants should have increased access to educational opportunities in addition to their employment opportunities.

This study examined the influence of Islamic practices, gender roles, and family income on educational attainment of Pakistanis in Los Angeles County and Lahore, Pakistan. Further examination of the relationship between the mother’s employment and educational attainment is recommended. The research contributes to studies conducted about the impact of Islam on education between genders, controlling for social class and family history of respondents.