Perceptions on the role of education and religion in human capital development: a case study among the sociology and anthropology students, International Islamic University Malaysia

Abstract

This is a case-study focusing on the perceptions on the role of education and religion in human capital development (HCD). This case-study will be limited to Human Sciences students majoring in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SOCA). Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). For this purpose, a list of registered SOCA majoring students in semester 1, 2008/2009 at the KIRKHS was utilised by the researcher for reference in selecting the informants. From the 222 SOCA majoring students, 157 (71%) of them responded and participated in the study conducted. The field study was conducted in semester 2, 2008/2009 for a duration of two months, i.e., from March, 2009 to April, 2009. The objectives of this study are (1) to examine the perception of SOCA students on the importance of education and religion in human capital development, (2) to examine the role of education in human capital development, and (3) to examine the role of religion in human capital development. The study employs qualitative approach in discussing SOCA students` perceptions on the various issues in understanding HCD. The findings of this study show that education plays an important social process in HCD. There are two main issues highlighted by the informants. The first refers to the role of education in knowledge development and skills for HCD that are significant in nation-building. Secondly, the implication of education on the country`s productivity, particularly in producing educated workforce to meet the global and technological advancement challenges in their working industries. The findings of this study also show that there are reasons why informants view religion as an important ingredient for HCD. The reasons given included that Islam is a way of life, and that the religion is imperative for knowledge development and personality development. They also affirmed that religion affects the productivity of the country, particularly in the relationship between spiritual dimension and productivity. Thus, it is evident in this study that education and religion are two major components of HCD considered vital particularly in designing the policy for the country`s future development.