Metaphors of 6th Grade Students Regarding the Culture Concept Included in the Social Studies Curriculum

Abstract

This research aims to reveal the metaphors used by 6th grade secondary school students regarding the concept of culture in social studies. In this qualitative research study, the researchers interviewed 80 students – 40 girls and 40 boys – regarding their metaphors concerning the concept of culture. We conducted content analysis to analyze the data collected. We categorized the metaphors under five titles. These categories are cultural element, heritage, leader, continuity, and unifying. The study observed that the students mostly associated the concept of culture with the concept of history and tradition and defined the concept of culture mostly through cultural elements. In addition, in the study, the researchers observed that the participants did not develop a negative metaphor about the culture and perceived the beneficial aspects of the culture. We can say that the social studies course and the curriculum successfully foster a favorable perception of culture.