Cultivating Detached Elites: National Identity and Citizenship in Elite School Textbooks in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores how national identity is presented in 13 elite Pakistani school history textbooks by examining micro-components of national identity. Findings reveal striking disparity in fostering national identity, presenting a shallow understanding of the country's history and moral values, lacking discursive devices to connect learners with the "imagined community." Textbooks introduce constitutional principles and political institutionalization in a dissociated and idealized manner, contributing to obliviousness of Pakistan's civic culture among the privileged youth. They focus largely on ancient history and heritage, failing to cover current issues and achievements. The textbooks encourage passive or obedient citizenship, serving elites' interests by perpetuating existing social and political structure. There should be a dedicated effort to align national and global perspectives, supported by a progressive, humanistic approach to foster enlightened citizenship and a vibrant, functional Pakistan cherishing diversity and harnessing youth idealism.