The Effect of Religious Education on Political Economy: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Lusaka District, Zambia

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of religious education on the political economy, with a focus on selected secondary schools in Lusaka district of Zambia. Religious education, often viewed as an instrument of moral and ethical instruction, plays a critical role in shaping students' beliefs and attitudes towards political and economic systems. This study explored how religious teachings embedded within the curriculum influence students’ understanding of governance, economic justice, social responsibility, and leadership. By examining the interplay between religious instruction and students' political behavior, the study seeks to uncover the ways in which religious education molds young people's perspectives on authority, civic duty, and socio-economic equity. The study adopted a mixed methods approach which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The study focused on selected secondary schools in Lusaka District, Zambia, representing urban and peri-urban settings with diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds with a sample of 150 respondents. Data were collected from head teachers, teachers, students, and community members through a combination of interviews, and questionnaires. The quantitative data collected through the questionnaires were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics using SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) and excel whereas the qualitative data from semi structured interviews were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that religious education has a profound impact on shaping students' ethical frameworks, often promoting ideals of fairness, integrity, and social justice, which translate into their political and economic viewpoints. However, the study also identified a complex duality in the outcomes: while religious teachings can encourage democratic participation and a sense of responsibility towards societal welfare, they can also reinforce traditional power structures and potentially conflict with modern political ideologies like liberalism and secularism. The study therefore recommended that schools should organize interfaith dialogues and civic engagement initiatives that encourage students to explore the practical applications of religious principles in addressing political and economic challenges.