The Role of School Culture in the Formation of Sportsmanship Character through Physical Education: An Ethnographic Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of school culture in shaping students' sportsmanship through physical education using a qualitative ethnographic approach. The research background is based on the importance of character education amidst the increasing challenges of sportsmanship degradation in the school environment. School culture is understood as a system of values, customs, and social practices that consistently shape the behavior of school members. Physical education is positioned as a strategic medium due to its interactive, applicative, and socially experiential learning characteristics. The study was conducted in educational units selected purposively, involving principals, physical education teachers, support teachers, and students as informants. Data collection was conducted through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Data analysis was conducted interactively to uncover cultural patterns, learning practices, and students' interpretations of sportsmanship values. The results show that a consistent school culture, supported by teacher role models and the integration of values in physical education, plays a significant role in shaping sportsmanship. Social interactions, collective habits, and peer group dynamics strengthen the internalization of values on an ongoing basis. This study confirms that the synergy between school culture and physical education is an effective strategy in developing students' sportsmanship character