Abstract

The sociology of education provides the most effective means to look into in the dynamics of education and the
changes it produces in the individual. This research uses in-depth field interviews to study the social change
experienced by a group of college students at a private higher learning institution in Malaysia. The results reveal that
there are four main elements in the social change experienced by this group of students. The process begins with the
self-awareness by students of their social condition both in past and present situations. The second element is their
adaptability, where students come to understand how to interact with their circumstances and are able to find ways
to adapt to their environment. This is followed by the third element, responsibility, where students become
responsible to the degree that they possess leadership abilities; thoughtfulness, independence, supportiveness and
determination. The last element is potentiality, which is important in helping students to progress to a higher stage of
life by actualizing their full potential. These findings have identified the elements of social change in the sociology
of education in the context higher education.

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