TEACHERS' RECEPTION OF NOVEL "GURU: MENDIDIK ITU MELAWAN" AS FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the reception of vocational high school (SMK) teachers in
Tegal Regency toward heroism ideology in the novel "Guru: Mendidik itu Melawan"
(Teacher: Teaching is Resistance) by Eko Prasetyo and its implications for
transforming language and arts education toward a sustainables future. Using a
sociological literary approach with qualitative descriptive method, the study involved
50 SMK teachers comprising 25 male and 25 female teachers from 5 public and 5
private vocational schools in Tegal Regency. Data were collected through
questionnaires, interviews, and researcher notes, then analyzed using interpretive
techniques based on Stuart Hall's reception theory and Bernstein's heroism ideology
framework. Results indicate that all manifestations of heroism ideology appeared in
the novel, with dominance in the value of loyalty to principles from the spiritual
ownership aspect. Gender-based teacher reception showed significant differences:
male teachers tended to interpret heroism within a citizenship and structural struggle
framework, while female teachers emphasized empathy, sacrifice, and sincerity.
Nevertheless, both genders shared common ground in viewing heroism as a moral
responsibility to defend others' rights and maintaining consistent fighting spirit.
Implementation of this reception in classroom policies reflects a shift from rule-based
approaches toward a balance between discipline and empathy.