Impact of Civic Knowledge on Citizenship Practices at Higher Education Level in Punjab

Abstract

This study examines the influence of civic knowledge on citizenship practices among higher education students in Punjab, Pakistan. Civic knowledge plays a pivotal role in shaping democratic values, responsibility, and engagement. The research adopted a quantitative approach, surveying students from various universities through a multi-stage sampling method. Data was gathered using the Civic Knowledge Scale (CKS) and Citizenship Practices Scale (CPO), followed by statistical analysis using SPSS. The findings reveal no significant gender differences in either civic knowledge or citizenship practices. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.531) was found between civic knowledge and citizenship practices, with civic knowledge explaining 28.2% of the variance in citizenship behavior. Based on these results, the study recommends integrating classroom learning with community-based projects, emphasizing interactive civic pedagogy, and designing multi-component civic programs that incorporate knowledge, skills, and participation pathways. Additionally, future research should explore the evolution of civic knowledge and its impact on active citizenship through longitudinal studies.