BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: PARTICIPATION OF PAKISTANI SIKHS ETHNIC GROUP IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Pawan Singh ARORA¹ , Shema BUKHARI²

The glass ceiling is an intangible blockage that refrains certain action in a specified manner. The phenomenon is normally associated with women/vulnerable groups. This study aims to find out the process for Sikh youth in Pakistan, who made their way to higher education. The research evaluates the process that delayed the achievement. This qualitative study has collected the successful cases of breaking the glass ceiling; along with the situational analysis of their background. Data collection was based on interviews from Sikhs who went through the process personally. The findings reveal the actual reasoning and barriers for not pursuing or quitting education at a higher level. The subjects are interviewed in-depth about their actual dealings and experiences to the setup. The hindrances are not same for all but collectively it makes a glass ceiling that easily affects everyone living in this specific setup. Sikhs in Pakistan have a limited number of graduates/professionals as compared to their population. This study by putting the factual situations on the front, also provide numerous solutions for government, educational institutions, and policymakers. The interviews are interpreted through a subjective assessment which aids the process of phenomenological study and authorizes information to be collected through the application of a range of strategies.

Keywords
Glass Ceiling,, Semi-Structured Interviews, Sikh Ethnic Group, Qualitative Study, Higher Education,