Sosfilkom : Jurnal Sosial, Filsafat dan Komunikasi
Vol. 20 No. 01 (2026): Volume 20 No 01 Januari-Juni 2026

REPRESENTASI KONFLIK MORAL DAN KETIMPANGAN SOSIAL DALAM SISTEM PENDIDIKAN PADA FILM BAD GENIUS (2017)

Sylfani Tridewi (Universitas Negeri Jakarta)
Maulina Larasati Putri (Universitas Negeri Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Aug 2026

Abstract

Education should fully support the process of moral and intellectual development. In reality, however, education often becomes a competitive arena in which achievement is valued more highly than integrity. This study analyzes how the education system is portrayed in the film Bad Genius (2017) through narrative analysis and Stuart Hall's theory of representation. Using a qualitative approach, the study examines how the film reflects moral conflict, academic competition, and socio-economic inequality as manifestations of structural injustice within the education system. Applying Todorov's narrative model, the study shows how the journey of the main character, Lynn, reflects a moral transformation from an idealistic student into one trapped in a moral dilemma caused by academic pressure and economic limitation. The narrative structure reveals declining morality as a consequence of an education system that consistently prioritizes results over process. Through Hall's theory of representation, the film offers a social critique of an education system in which success is measured by outcomes rather than by the learning process itself. This shows that Bad Genius does not merely highlight academic cheating, but also exposes the injustice of an education system that ultimately shapes students' moral choices. The film illustrates how social and economic dimensions influence ethical decision-making, and underscores the importance of equitable educational policies that support human well-being and moral integrity. The significance of this study lies in offering a critical perspective on the interplay between morality, competition, and social inequality within the education system.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

SFK

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Jurnal Sosfilkom: Jurnal Sosial, Filsafat dan Komunikasi has been enlisted with ISSN online 2686-0368 and ISSN Printed 2085-0182 and published per semester on January-June and July-December by Faculty of Social Scince and Political Science of UniversitasMuhammadiyah Cirebon. Jurnal Sosfilkom: Jurnal ...