Antara Tradisi Dan Modernitas: Pembangunan Karakter Dalam Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan Islam Menurut Ernest Gellner

Abstract

Social change has significantly influenced the development of character education and Islamic culture. This study aims to analyze the formation of character education and Islamic cultural dynamics through the lens of Ernest Gellner’s sociological theory. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design and a literature analysis method. Data were collected through documentation of books and review journal articles. The findings reveal that the development of Islamic character and culture progresses differently across three social structures: agrarian culture, communal society, and patrimonial systems. In agrarian-based communities, character formation tends to shift rapidly toward modern cultural values. In communal settings, particularly those influenced by charismatic Islamic leaders such as kyai, Islamic character and culture show accelerated growth and are more effectively integrated into schools and Islamic boarding institutions (pesantren). Meanwhile, in patrimonial systems, Islamic character development occurs simultaneously with the rise of nationalism, modernization, diverse cultural traditions, patriotism, and a strengthening legal system. This study concludes that tradition and modernity interact dynamically in shaping Islamic character education, with varying outcomes depending on the social structure of the surrounding community.

Keywords: Tradition and Modernity, Islamic Education and Culture, Social Change Ernest Gellner.