Peran Pedagang Perempuan Single Parent dalam Memenuhi Kebutuhan Keluarga di Pasar Lalang Kecamatan Medan Sunggal

Abstract

Single parent women who work as traders in traditional markets constitute a vulnerable group, as they must perform dual roles as income earners and household managers under conditions of economic instability and limited social support. This study aims to analyze the role of single parent women traders in fulfilling family needs, to examine the trading activities they undertake, and to identify the survival strategies they employ in coping with economic constraints. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive design, using data collection techniques including in depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving single parent women traders at Kampung Lalang Market. Data analysis was conducted by linking field findings with role theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and the concept of survival strategies. The findings indicate that trading activities include merchandise preparation, selling and customer service, simple stock and financial management, as well as social interaction with buyers and fellow traders. Income generated from trading is utilized to meet basic family needs, particularly physiological needs, education, and health, although economic security and self actualization needs have not been evenly fulfilled. To maintain family livelihood, single parent women traders apply active, passive, and network based strategies by utilizing social relations and informal assistance. This study concludes that trading activities play an essential role as an adaptive strategy for single parent women in sustaining family functioning, in which family welfare can be achieved at the level of basic needs fulfillment, although it remains modest and vulnerable to changes in economic conditions.