Education is essentially a conscious effort to humanize humans as cultural beings (animal educandum) whose existence cannot be separated from their sociocultural environment. The anthropological approach emphasizes that learning is a process of cultural transmission, where values, norms, and skills are inherited and developed across generations. In the context of Indonesia's cultural diversity, an anthropological foundation is crucial to design contextual learning that integrates local wisdom while preparing students to face global challenges. This study employs a qualitative approach through literature review. Data were collected from relevant books, scientific journals, and previous research on anthropology, education, and culture. The analysis was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method by examining the relationship between education and culture, including processes of enculturation, socialization, and the role of schools as a miniature society. The results show that education functions as both a preserver and an agent of cultural change. The implications of an anthropological foundation in learning include the development of local wisdom-based curricula and multicultural learning approaches. Strengthening this foundation is essential to create education that is meaningful, contextual, and capable of forming individuals who are globally competent yet rooted in their local cultural identity.
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