It is a myth that no girls went to school during the Taliban time but it is as great a myth that all girls now have returned to school. This is told by Pia Karlsson and Amir Mansory at the Institute of International Education, Stockholm University. Soon they will present a doctoral thesis with the title: An Afghan Dilemma: Education, Gender and Globalisation in an Islamic Context.
The research, a case study from two Afghan villages, is based on school observations and interviews with parents, students, teachers, mullahs, elders and others. Parents’ and students’ motives and expectations of the two types of schools – the Islamic and the Western type of school – as well as obstacles for girls’ participation in education are discussed. Moreover, the study deals with the encounter between globalisation and the traditional Afghan society.
The Islamic principle of farz, which implies that everyone has the obligation and responsibility to get knowledge – to go to school – is valid for boys and girls alike and was claimed by all the villagers. However, it was considered important that adolescent girls are taught by female teachers. Since the lack of female teachers is significant, particularly in rural areas where most people live, a conflict arises: a dilemma between the farz principle to get knowledge and the requirement of (non-existing) female teachers.
In Afghanistan there are two types of education for children, says Pia Karlsson, the primary and secondary school and the Islamic. Both are in equal demand. Choosing one or another often implies a conflict, a dilemma for parents and students alike, she continues.
Girls are in practice excluded from Islamic education above the elementary knowledge that all children get in the mosque school. Internationally this fact has not got much attention or elicited a reaction.
Hopes are linked to the reinterpretation of farz that is underway, which may bring the solution to girls’ continuous education, says Amir Mansory. Initially, farz was only related to Islamic education but is now valid for all kinds of education. Initially, only boys were considered but now also girls have the right to education.
Yet another dilemma seems to be emerging, continues Pia Karlsson, and it involves the interplay between Islam and modernisation. Although globalisation as a word was not not used many expressed their worries about its consequences, like consumerism, secularisation and individualism, values that were considered to sharply contrast the highly esteemed Islamic ethics. The poverty is severe and after the many years of war people are desperately yearning for peace and security and improved life standards. But, they asked themselves, referring to an ancient proverb, can Islam and money go together"
Thesis title: An Afghan Dilemma: Education, Gender and Globalisation in an Islamic Context.
To be publicly defended on November 2, 2007 at 13.00 in Wallenebergsalen, Juristernas Hus, Stockholm University Opponent: Professor David Stephens, School of Education, University of Brighton, England.
Additional information: Pia Karlsson, Department of Education, Institute of International Education, Stockholm University. Phone: +46 (0)70 791 43 37, email: karlssonpia@telia.com.
Amir Mansory, Department of Education, Institute of International Education, Stockholm University. Phone: +46 (0)73 7046992/+93 (0)799 309814. email: amirmansory@hotmail.com.
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