Konstruksi Sosial Makna Pernikahan Pada Kalangan Generasi Z (Studi Pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Abstract

Marriage is one of the social institutions that has an important role in people's lives. However, as the times progress, the meaning of marriage began to shift, especially among the younger generation. The phenomenon of marriage recession that is currently occurring shows that marriage is no longer seen as a mere social obligation, but is beginning to be interpreted as a life choice that requires emotional, mental, and financial readiness. This study aims to describe how the social construction of the meaning of marriage is formed among FISIP USU students who are generation Z, as well as the factors that influence the formation of this social construction. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method by collecting data through in-depth interviews and documentation of ten main informants and four supporting informants. The analysis was carried out using the Social Construction Theory of Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann which includes three stages, namely externalization, objectification, and internalization. The results of the study show that at the externalization stage, initial knowledge about marriage is obtained from family, social environment and social media. At the objectification stage, students' views develop through social interactions that form a new perception of the meaning of marriage. Finally, at the internalization stage, the meaning is inherent in the individual as a belief that marriage is a responsibility and commitment that must be prepared carefully and realistically. Factors such as social media, financial readiness, education and career, and religious values also strengthen the formation of this social construct .