Analisis Resiliensi Sosial dan Beban Ganda Sandwich Generation (Studi Praktik Sosial pada Mahasiswa Generasi Z di Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Abstract

This study analyzes social practices, differences, and relationships between dual roles and dual burdens on social resilience among Generation Z students at the University of North Sumatra who belong to the sandwich generation and non sandwich generation particularly, open sandwich generaton category. This phenomenon emerged amid demographic transition and increasing academic demands. Using a descriptive and correlational quantitative approach, the study involved 100 respondents (50 from the sandwich generation and 50 from the non sandwich generation). Data were analyzed using the Independent Sample T-Test and Spearman's Correlation through SPSS software. The results showed significant differences in all variables studied. The sandwich generation group had a much higher mean dual role and dual burden, but a lower level of social resilience than the non-sandwich generation group. Correlation analysis revealed that dual roles were significantly related to social resilience, while dual burdens as a whole did not show a significant correlation. A key finding of this study is the existence of “paradoxical resilience,” in which high dual burdens actually encourage positive adaptive effects on intergenerational communication and time management. This is reinforced by high-quality family relationships and the use of digital platforms as social capital that neutralizes the negative effects of dual burdens. In conclusion, sandwich generation students at USU exhibit unique adaptation patterns; despite being burdened by roles and finances, they possess strong adaptive capacities thanks to cultural capital. Academic institutions are advised to provide flexible policy support to reduce the structural burdens on students in this group.