Kehidupan Sosial Etnis Tionghoa Pedagang Ikan Asin di Pasar Sentral Kota Medan 棉兰市咸鱼华商社会交流分析 Mián lán shì xián yú huáshāng shèhuì jiāoliú fēnxī

Abstract

This research, titled "The Social Life of Chinese Ethnic Salted Fish Traders at Sentral Market in Medan City," aims to explore the social interactions, cultural values, and economic strategies practiced by Chinese traders in the context of a multicultural traditional market. Academically, the study contributes to the enrichment of literature on Chinese Indonesians, and practically, it offers insights for policymakers to support the sustainability of traditional businesses. A qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach was employed, using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Max Weber’s theory of ethnicity, which views ethnicity as a social construct that influences economic actions and social networks, served as the theoretical framework. The findings reveal that Chinese traders uphold cultural values such as hard work, honesty, and trust in their business practices. They tend to form close, trust-based social networks and avoid ethnic discrimination in market interactions. While some have begun adapting to digital technology, most still prefer face-to-face transactions rooted in tradition. Their economic activities are not only driven by instrumental rationality but also guided by moral values and social solidarity grounded in their cultural identity.