The Role of Educational Sociology and Educational Anthropology towards Students' Character Development

Abstract

This study examines the contributions of educational sociology and educational anthropology to the development of student character by reviewing relevant literature. Rising moral and social issues among learners, stemming from an overemphasis on cognitive achievement, underscore the need to reconsider the school’s role as a space for the internalization of values. From a sociological standpoint, socialization processes, relational dynamics, and broader social structures serve as key mechanisms that influence students’ behavior and moral orientation. In parallel, educational anthropology underscores the importance of embedding local cultural values, community traditions, and everyday cultural practices into learning activities to strengthen identity formation and multicultural awareness. The integration of these two perspectives yields a more comprehensive and culturally grounded framework for character education. The findings also stress the importance of coordinated efforts among teachers, families, and communities in fostering a socio-cultural environment that consistently supports character development. Overall, this study provides a conceptual foundation for designing character education curricula that remain locally relevant while responsive to global challenges.