Exploring Political Neutrality and Disengagement: The Experiences of Jehovah’s Witnesses Students in Educational Settings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70922/v9v8wh43Keywords:
Jehovah's Witnesses, Political Neutrality, Educational Experience, Religion, Strain TheoryAbstract
Schools are tasked with instilling civic and social responsibility values, and such means are achieved through political activities. However, for Jehovah’s Witness (JW) students, participation in such activities can conflict with their religious convictions, presenting a unique challenge as they navigate educational expectations while striving to uphold their beliefs. Hence, this study explores the experiences of JW students regarding their political neutrality and disengagement in educational settings. Utilizing qualitative interviews and document analysis, the research identifies the political activities and challenges JW students face and the coping mechanisms they employ to reconcile their religious commitments with political expectations. Findings reveal that nationalistic ceremonies, student government elections, partisanship, and military-related activities significantly affect JW students' faith. Consequently, they face challenges that lead to psychological distress, peer pressure, academic strain, social stigmatization, and verbal bullying. The study further discusses how Merton's Strain Theory elucidates the coping strategies utilized by these students, including silent observation, respectful withdrawal, and, to some extent, conformity. Overall, this research suggests the necessity for schools to foster an inclusive atmosphere that respects diverse beliefs, addressing the implications of social stigmatization on students’ mental and emotional well-being.
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