The commodification of education and inequality in Indonesia: A sociological perspective

Kurnia Asni Sari; Suci Wahyu Fajriani; Gunawan Gunawan; Ainul Zulqoifah; Mallia Hartani

doi:10.55942/pssj.v5i8.623

Authors

Kurnia Asni Sari Universitas Sriwijaya https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8396-6317
Suci Wahyu Fajriani Universitas Sriwijaya https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9662-4271
Gunawan Gunawan Universitas Sriwijaya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6362-0990
Ainul Zulqoifah Universitas Sriwijaya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1443-2967
Mallia Hartani Universitas Sriwijaya https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8533-8048

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i8.623

Keywords:

Commodification, Educational Inequality, Privilege, Social Capital, Social Stratification, Indonesian Education

Abstract

This study analyzes the phenomena of commodification and inequality in the Indonesian education industry from a critical sociological perspective. Education, which is a basic right for all citizens, has been transformed into a commercial commodity accessible only to groups with certain economic, social, and cultural capital. This study used qualitative methods with content analysis based on Bourdieu's capital theory and Weber's stratification. The results indicate that commodification of education through superior private schools, tutoring, and achievement pathways strengthens student privilege and widens the gap between social classes. The privatization of education obscures the principle of meritocracy and creates a cycle of structural injustice that ultimately makes it difficult for students to achieve vertical social mobility. This research finds that educational inequality in Indonesia is not only a matter of access but also a structural problem that is supported by an unequal social, cultural, and economic system.

Author Biographies

Kurnia Asni Sari, Universitas Sriwijaya

Kurnia Asni Sari is a lecturer in Sociology with research interests in societal issues, focusing on education and religion. Her work examines the role of education in shaping social awareness, moral values, and cultural identity, as well as the influence of religion on social dynamics and its function as a source of strength in social development. She actively explores the interrelation between educational and religious institutions in shaping social behavior, fostering tolerance, and strengthening social cohesion in diverse communities. Several of her scholarly works have been published in academic journals, addressing topics such as values-based education, the role of religious leaders in community development, and the impact of religious education on the character formation of younger generations.

Suci Wahyu Fajriani, Universitas Sriwijaya

Suci Wahyu Fajriani is a lecturer in Sociology with research interests in social issues and digital sociology. Her academic focus explores the intersection between technology and society, including the impact of digital media on social interaction, community engagement, and the transformation of cultural values in the digital era. She also examines contemporary social problems through a digital lens, addressing themes such as online communities, cyber behavior, and the influence of social networking platforms on public discourse. Several of her scholarly articles on digital sociology have been published in national and international journals, discussing topics such as the role of social media in shaping public opinion, digital inclusion and inequality, and the sociocultural implications of emerging communication technologies. Her work reflects a commitment to understanding how digitalization reshapes social life and to contributing insights that can inform inclusive and ethical digital transformation.

Gunawan Gunawan, Universitas Sriwijaya

Gunawan is a lecturer in Sociology who teaches Environmental Sociology and Social Ethics. His research interests focus on environmental issues and ethics in social life, with particular attention to the relationship between human behaviour, moral values, and ecological sustainability. He actively develops studies on ethical practices in natural resource management, social responsibility toward the environment, and strategies for building community-based ecological awareness. Several of his scholarly works have been published in nationally accredited journals and academic forums, covering topics such as environmental ethics, socio-ecological conflicts, and the role of local institutions in supporting sustainability. His contributions emphasize the importance of a sociological perspective in understanding and formulating ethical solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.

Ainul Zulqoifah, Universitas Sriwijaya

Ainul Zulqoifah is a lecturer in Sociology who teaches Quantitative Research Methods, Social Psychology, and Social Change. Her academic interests lie in the development of sociological research methodology, the dynamics of social behavior, and societal transformation in both global and local contexts. She actively applies quantitative approaches in sociological research to analyze social phenomena in a systematic and measurable way. In addition, she explores the role of psychological factors in social interactions and the dynamics of change faced by modern societies. Several of her works have been published in journals and conference proceedings, addressing topics such as patterns of social interaction, data-driven research strategies, and quantitative analysis of social change. Her dedication demonstrates a commitment to bridging research methodology with empirical analysis relevant to the advancement of sociology.

Mallia Hartani, Universitas Sriwijaya

Mallia Hartani is a lecturer in Sociology with a research interest in community empowerment, particularly in the context of social development and enhancing the capacity of local communities. She actively develops participatory approaches in both research and community engagement, focusing on strengthening the role of vulnerable groups, fostering community-based economic development, and promoting the sustainable management of local resources. Several of her scholarly works on community empowerment have been published in nationally accredited journals and conference proceedings, covering topics such as strategies for strengthening village institutions, the role of women in local development, and social innovation for rural economic self-reliance. Her dedication to bridging sociological theory with field practices has made her contributions significant in promoting inclusive social transformation.

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