Exploring Self-Identity of Youth in Pakistan and Germany: Identifying Pushing Buttons Towards Violence/Silence, and Suggest a Plan of Action

Abstract

The study explores how the Pakistani and German young people perceive their identities. It also identifies the factors, which persuade them towards silence or violence. Within the framework of case study, survey and phenomenological research methods are adopted. One university from Pakistan and Germany are chosen as a case through criterion sampling. Twenty survey participants are selected from each site through multi-criterion sampling, whereas seven participants are further scrutinized for discussion. Survey data is collected through identity scale (Cheek & Briggs, 2013), while phenomenological data is gathered through semi-structured interview. Survey data is analyzed with the help of tables and graphs, whereas the phenomenological data is evaluated using themes and sub-themes. Survey findings revealed that German and Pakistani participants have a positive approach towards ‘self’. Most of them are optimistic towards personal and social identities. Strong tendency of positivity is observed towards relational identity. However, differences are surfaced in their attitude due to the pressures scattered by the social and relational identities Phenomenological sources uncovered that in Pakistan, societal pressures, hopelessness, low self-esteem, violence, emotional distress, and cultural constraints, whereas in Germany, unemployment, uncertainties, gender, shame, and affiliation are the key roots of silence and violence among young people. The study concludes that young educated people are the potential entrant of silence and violence. Young people should dive into the layers of their identities, for which they need meditative space to shift their dependencies to independencies. Openness to self-acceptance should be encouraged, whereas prejudices and social constructs should be discouraged. To overcome internal battles, introspective attitude is the key to self-respect. In this regard, self-support system through skills development and socio-psychological counseling are recommended. Well-being courses such as mental health and self-counseling skills should be introduced parallel to other subject areas. Parental counseling mechanism should be established to curtail communication gaps, while social empathy camps can exclude the culture of ‘shame’. Multicultural exposure is critically important at both the sites. Moderate space and constructive environment can further build resilience among young people.