Masalah-masalah Sosial dalam Novel Dunia Kecil yang Riuh Karya Arafat Nur: Tinjauan Sosiologi Sastra

Abstract

Indonesia as a multicultural country, is not free from various social problems. These issues often inspire authors to convey social criticism through literary works, which serve not only as entertain nment but also as a medium for reflection and education. This study aims to describe the social problems found in the novel Dunia Kecil yang Riuh by Arafat Nur, using Soekanto’s analytical theory. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The data consist of notes or codes in the form of word, phrases, or sentences of social problems, with the primary data source being the novel it self. Data were analyzed using reading, analyzing, and note-taking techniques. The finding reveal seven out of nine types of social problems, namely poverty (absolute, relative, cultural, structural), crime (extortion, fraud, intimidation, attempted murder), family disorganization (divorce due to infidelity, infidelity, family neglect, domestic violence), problems of youth in modern society, violations of societal norms (prostitution, alcoholism, and gambling), environmental problems (geography, infrastructure, sanitation, epidemics), and bureaucratic inefficiency. Although only seven were found, the results show that writer consistently reflects the reality of rural communities trapped in a cycle of poverty, reliance on shamanism, family conflicts, and other forms of social dysfunction, while delivering strong social critism.