Nurul Hidayah, Nur Ahid, Zayad Abd Rahman, Nanang Qosim

Preserving Identity through Education: The Role of Symbolic Capital in Cultural Reproduction at MMA Bahrul ‘Ulum

Introduction

Preserving identity through education: the role of symbolic capital in cultural reproduction at mma bahrul ‘ulum. Explore cultural reproduction at MMA Bahrul ‘Ulum, an Islamic pesantren, through Bourdieu's lens. Learn how symbolic capital and habitus preserve identity amid social change.

Abstract

This study examines the process of cultural reproduction at Madrasah Mu’allimin Mu’allimat (MMA) Bahrul ‘Ulum through the sociological lens of Pierre Bourdieu. The research focuses on how this traditional Islamic educational institution sustains religious and cultural values by shaping the habitus of its students. Using a qualitative approach and analyzing daily practices within the pesantren environment, the study finds that MMA Bahrul ‘Ulum reproduces culture through internal mechanisms such as discipline reinforcement, classical Islamic text learning, and symbolic relationships between teachers and students. Symbolic and cultural capital play a crucial role in maintaining the institution’s authority amid social change. The findings reveal that the process of cultural reproduction at MMA Bahrul ‘Ulum is not passive but rather active and dynamic, enabling the institution to preserve tradition while adapting to contemporary challenges. This research highlights the strategic role of pesantren in maintaining cultural identity through the formation of a distinctive habitus.

Review

This study offers a timely and insightful exploration into the mechanisms of cultural reproduction within traditional Islamic educational institutions, specifically focusing on Madrasah Mu’allimin Mu’allimat (MMA) Bahrul ‘Ulum. By employing Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological framework, particularly concepts of habitus, symbolic, and cultural capital, the research promises a nuanced understanding of how such establishments actively sustain religious and cultural values amidst evolving social landscapes. The chosen theoretical lens is highly appropriate for dissecting the interplay between educational practices, power dynamics, and identity formation, making the initial premise of the study particularly compelling for scholars interested in education, sociology of religion, and cultural studies. Utilizing a qualitative approach grounded in the analysis of daily practices within the pesantren, the research effectively uncovers the granular mechanisms through which MMA Bahrul ‘Ulum shapes its students’ habitus. The abstract highlights key internal processes, including the reinforcement of discipline, rigorous engagement with classical Islamic texts, and the cultivation of profound symbolic relationships between teachers and students, as pivotal in this reproductive endeavor. Crucially, the study’s finding that cultural reproduction is an active and dynamic process, rather than a passive transmission, challenges simplistic notions of tradition and underscores the institution's strategic capacity to adapt and thrive, leveraging symbolic and cultural capital to maintain its authority despite broader societal shifts. The findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of how traditional educational institutions strategically navigate social change to preserve cultural identity. By emphasizing the active role of symbolic and cultural capital in maintaining institutional authority, the research provides a nuanced perspective on the resilience and adaptability of pesantren. This study underscores the vital, strategic role of such institutions in fostering a distinctive habitus, thereby ensuring the continuity of religious and cultural heritage while demonstrating an inherent capacity to engage with contemporary challenges. It offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between tradition, education, and identity formation in a crucial cultural context.

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