Exploring the Role of School in Shaping Social Responsibility Among Adolescents
Keywords:
School, Adolescents, Social Responsibility, Hidden Curriculum, School Interactions, Moral EducationAbstract
This study aimed to explore the role of school in shaping social responsibility among adolescents based on lived experiences of students and school staff. This qualitative research employed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, including students, teachers, counselors, and principals from schools in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling with maximum variation. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation, and data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories: "Role of School Interactions," "Educational and Training Programs," and "Adolescents’ Social and Ethical Identity." Within these themes, key factors influencing social responsibility development included teacher behavior, peer interaction, hidden curriculum, collaborative activities, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging to school. The findings demonstrated that school, as a dynamic social system, plays a pivotal role in fostering social responsibility through interpersonal relationships, institutional structures, and informal educational experiences. Emphasis on justice, participation, dialogue, and ethical modeling by teachers is essential to achieving this goal in the school context.
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