Co-education means the education of boys and girls in the same schools, colleges or universities. This is a modern concept and it has made a remarkable rapid progress. It was first introduced in Switzerland, but it has become popular almost in all Europe and America. The Eastern countries are also adopting this system gradually. In our country opinions sharply differ on the issue of co-education in colleges.

 

The supporters of co-educations favour it mainly on two grounds, one economical and the other sociological. In the first place, they say that co-education is an economical measure in the poor country liked Pakistan. It is no possible to maintain separate colleges for boys and girls. Especially in vocational colleges a lot of money is required to equip the laboratories and workshops. In the second place, the social contacts between the members of the two sexes are useful in many respects.

 

The supporter of co-education say that if boys and girls are educated together, they will develop in them a sort of mutual understanding. This understanding will be helpful in their future life as men and women. They believe that co-education makes boys less coarse and girls less morbid. The boys become civilized and polite and the girls get rid of their shyness. Moreover, it creates a spirit of competition in studies. Both try their hard to out-do each other.

 

The arguments of the supporters of co-education are weighty but of those who are against are weightier. Demerits of this system make its success in this country doubtful. The opponents of co-education argue that in a hot country like Pakistan this system is impracticable. Here boys and girls become young at an early age. Youth is blind and there is every possibility that they may fall a victim to their emotions. Then every one of us knows that ends and aims of education for the two sexes are quite difference.