Parental Perceptions of Disciplinary Practices in Deeni Madaris: A Qualitative Study from District Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Discipline in schools is still a very controversial issue because it has a great impact on children’s behaviour development, personality and educational outcomes. The disciplinary practices and corporal punishment in formal education have been extensively studied, but little is known about the parents’ perceptions of discipline in Deeni Madaris, especially in tribal areas of Pakistan. A qualitative exploratory design was used in the study to explore parents’ perspectives on the use of discipline in these religious institutions. Purposive sampling was done and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of 18 Nazira students studying at Deeni Madaris. The results indicated that parents generally considered disciplinary practices as important to reinforce religious knowledge, to develop respect for the teacher and peers, to develop self-control and responsibility, and to develop moral and religious values. Such practices, they thought, would strengthen students’ commitment to religious education and prepare them to live according to Islamic principles. However, there were also worries regarding the severity of the punishment as well as the worry and fear of enforcing too severe discipline. They stressed the need for a more kid-friendly, compassionate, and guiding approach while upholding the required discipline to safeguard the children's emotions. According to the study, there is a need to strike a balance between Deeni Madaris's religious disciplinary measures and its children's positive upbringing.