Causes of the Shift in Social Solidarity

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 129 views

The Perception of Flood Survivors to the Shift in Social Solidarity: A Descriptive Study of the Community Around the Deli River, Sukaraja Village, Medan Maimun District

Social Solidarity Shift Around the Deli River: When a Small Flood is No Longer Burning

Floods, natural disasters that are familiar with the lives of people around the river, often test the power of social solidarity. In Sukaraja Village, Medan Maimun District, where the Deli River flows, solidarity that has been built so far has been facing new challenges. This descriptive research examines the perception of the community around the Deli River on the shift in social solidarity that occurs during flooding. Interestingly, this study found a unique phenomenon: if a large flood was able to ignite the spirit of mutual cooperation, small floods actually triggered a decrease in the amount of assistance provided.

Background of the Study

Floods are a common occurrence in the lives of people around the Deli River. The community has built a strong sense of solidarity over the years, which has been tested during large floods. However, with the passage of time, the community has undergone significant changes, including an increase in education levels, social and lifestyle changes, and economic difficulties. These changes have led to a shift in the way the community responds to floods, particularly small ones.

Methodology

This study involved 94 respondents from three environments affected by floods: Environment IV, V, and VIII. Data was collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire. The study aimed to examine the perception of the community around the Deli River on the shift in social solidarity that occurs during flooding.

Results

The results show a real shift in social solidarity. Food assistance, which used to be abundant during large floods in 2011 (average value of assistance: 4.94), is now recorded drastically slumped during a small flood (the average value of assistance: 1.18). This shift is also seen in the form of other assistance. The average provision of houses and removal of goods during large floods (2.36 and 1.68) respectively is much higher than when the floods are small (each 1.0 and 1.01). That is, when the tide is no longer dangerous, social solidarity seems to disappear.

Causes of the Shift in Social Solidarity

This study identified several main factors that contribute to the shift in social solidarity, including:

Increasing the level of education: Community with higher education tends to be able to meet their own needs, so that a sense of concern for neighbors affected by small floods may be reduced.

*Social and lifestyle changes: The shift in the social status and lifestyle of individuals also influences the sense of solidarity.

*Decrease in Economy Giver of Assistance: Difficult economic conditions can also hamper assistance, especially when small floods are considered not too threatening.

*Family safety priority: There is a tendency to prioritize the safety of the family itself, especially when a disaster is considered not too serious.

Implications of the Study

The phenomenon of this shift in solidarity is a serious homework for the community around the Deli River. Social solidarity that has been built so far should not be eroded by differences in disaster scale. Efforts are needed to build collective awareness about the importance of mutual help, regardless of the size of the disaster. The community needs to be encouraged to see small floods as part of a joint problem that requires a joint solution. Education about the importance of solidarity and education about the impact of small floods is also crucial.

Conclusion

Through a deeper understanding of the cause of this shift in solidarity, it is hoped that a solution can be created to revive the spirit of mutual cooperation in the community, so that the disaster, whatever the scale, is no longer a test of the power of unity and concern.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The community needs to be educated about the importance of solidarity and the impact of small floods.
Efforts should be made to build collective awareness about the importance of mutual help, regardless of the size of the disaster.
The community needs to be encouraged to see small floods as part of a joint problem that requires a joint solution.
Education about the importance of solidarity and education about the impact of small floods is also crucial.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only examined the perception of the community around the Deli River and did not include other communities that may have different experiences and perspectives.
The study only focused on the shift in social solidarity during floods and did not examine other types of disasters.
The study only collected data through structured interviews and did not use other methods, such as surveys or observations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Examine the shift in social solidarity in other communities that have experienced different types of disasters.
Investigate the impact of education on the shift in social solidarity.
Examine the role of social and lifestyle changes in the shift in social solidarity.
Investigate the impact of economic difficulties on the shift in social solidarity.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendices

[Appendices, including questionnaires, interview schedules, and other supporting materials]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Shift in Social Solidarity During Floods

Q: What is social solidarity, and how does it relate to floods?

A: Social solidarity refers to the sense of unity and cooperation among individuals and communities in the face of a common challenge or disaster. In the context of floods, social solidarity is essential for providing mutual assistance and support to those affected by the disaster.

Q: What is the significance of the study on the shift in social solidarity during floods?

A: The study highlights the importance of social solidarity in responding to floods, particularly small ones. The findings suggest that the community's response to small floods has changed over time, with a decrease in the amount of assistance provided. This shift has significant implications for the community's ability to respond to future disasters.

Q: What are the main factors contributing to the shift in social solidarity during floods?

A: The study identifies several main factors contributing to the shift in social solidarity, including:

Increasing the level of education: Community with higher education tends to be able to meet their own needs, so that a sense of concern for neighbors affected by small floods may be reduced.
Social and lifestyle changes: The shift in the social status and lifestyle of individuals also influences the sense of solidarity.
Decrease in Economy Giver of Assistance: Difficult economic conditions can also hamper assistance, especially when small floods are considered not too threatening.
Family safety priority: There is a tendency to prioritize the safety of the family itself, especially when a disaster is considered not too serious.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the community around the Deli River?

A: The study highlights the need for the community to build collective awareness about the importance of mutual help, regardless of the size of the disaster. Efforts should be made to educate the community about the importance of solidarity and the impact of small floods.

Q: What can be done to revive the spirit of mutual cooperation in the community?

A: To revive the spirit of mutual cooperation, the community needs to be encouraged to see small floods as part of a joint problem that requires a joint solution. Education about the importance of solidarity and education about the impact of small floods is also crucial.

Q: How can the community address the challenges posed by the shift in social solidarity?

A: The community can address the challenges posed by the shift in social solidarity by:

Building collective awareness about the importance of mutual help
Educating the community about the importance of solidarity and the impact of small floods
Encouraging the community to see small floods as part of a joint problem that requires a joint solution
Providing support and resources to those affected by small floods

Q: What are the potential consequences of ignoring the shift in social solidarity?

A: Ignoring the shift in social solidarity can lead to a decrease in the community's ability to respond to future disasters, particularly small ones. This can result in increased suffering and hardship for those affected by the disaster.

Q: What are the potential benefits of addressing the shift in social solidarity?

A: Addressing the shift in social solidarity can lead to a more resilient and cohesive community that is better equipped to respond to future disasters. This can result in improved outcomes for those affected by the disaster and a stronger sense of community and solidarity.

Q: How can the study's findings be applied to other communities?

A: The study's findings can be applied to other communities that have experienced similar shifts in social solidarity. By understanding the factors contributing to the shift and addressing them, other communities can build a more resilient and cohesive community that is better equipped to respond to future disasters.