The Multiple Role of the Scavenger Mother

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 16 views

The Double Role of the Scavenger at the Final Disposal Site (TPA) of Tanjung Pinggir Village, Siantar Martoba District, Pematangsiantar City

Introduction

The phenomenon of housewives taking on a dual role in their lives is a common occurrence, especially among those with low economic levels, such as scavengers. These mothers choose to work as scavengers due to their low educational backgrounds, lack of special skills, and the flexibility of the time offered by this work. Thus, they can divide the time between taking care of the family and earning a living. In the Tanjung Pinggir Village Final Disposal Site (TPA) Siantar Martoba District, Pematangsiantar City, many housewives from the Batak ethnic group rely on the results of their scavengers every day as the main source of income.

The Multiple Role of the Scavenger Mother

This study aims to describe the multiple role of the scavenger mother in the environment. In this study, there were five informants, including three scavenger mothers who were married, one neighbor, and one key informant who had knowledge of environmental conditions. The data collection methods used were literature studies, in-depth interviews, and direct observations in the field. The results showed that the scavenger mothers from the Batak ethnic group worked hard to improve the socio-economic welfare of their families. In this dual role analysis, several factors that influence their socio-economic conditions need to be observed.

Health Factors and Government Support

One of the biggest challenges faced by scavenger mothers is health problems. With work that demands physical and exposure to waste, mothers of scavengers often hope to get assistance from the government to meet their health needs and their families. Social assistance programs that are not only in the form of food, but also health, are very important to improve their quality of life. The government's support is crucial in providing access to healthcare services, health education, and social protection programs for scavenger mothers and their families.

The Role of the Economy in the Family

The scavenger mother functions as the backbone of the family. Income from scavenging, though not fixed, is very helpful in meeting the basic needs of the family such as clothing and food. These mothers have the dream of sending their children to a higher level. They try to provide motivation and emotional support so that their children are the spirit of learning, even though they have to fight with financial limitations. The economic contribution of scavenger mothers is significant, and their role in providing for their families is essential.

Limited Resources and Social Environment

The condition of a concern residence is one of the factors that affect the daily life of the scavenger mother. Even so, a harmonious relationship in the family and positive interactions with the surrounding community can provide very significant moral support. A good social environment and helping each other become one of the strengths for scavenger mothers to continue to fight for a better life. The social support system is crucial in providing emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging to scavenger mothers and their families.

Conclusion

The scavenger mother in Tanjung Pinggir Village TPA not only acts as a breadwinner, but also as a family manager who struggles for the welfare and education of their children. With the challenges faced, such as health, limited resources, and the need for support from the government, this dual role is a phenomenon that is worthy of attention. Awareness about their conditions can encourage better policies to improve the quality of their lives and families in the future. The government, civil society, and the community must work together to provide support and services to scavenger mothers and their families.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Government Support: The government should provide social assistance programs that include health services, health education, and social protection programs for scavenger mothers and their families.
Economic Empowerment: The government and civil society should provide economic empowerment programs that help scavenger mothers to improve their income and economic stability.
Social Support: The community and civil society should provide social support to scavenger mothers and their families, including emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.
Education and Training: The government and civil society should provide education and training programs that help scavenger mothers to improve their skills and knowledge, and to access better job opportunities.

By implementing these recommendations, the government, civil society, and the community can work together to improve the quality of life of scavenger mothers and their families in Tanjung Pinggir Village TPA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Double Role of the Scavenger at the Final Disposal Site (TPA) of Tanjung Pinggir Village, Siantar Martoba District, Pematangsiantar City

Q: What is the double role of the scavenger mother?

A: The double role of the scavenger mother refers to the fact that she works as a scavenger to earn a living, while also taking care of her family and managing the household.

Q: Why do scavenger mothers choose to work as scavengers?

A: Scavenger mothers choose to work as scavengers due to their low educational backgrounds, lack of special skills, and the flexibility of the time offered by this work. They can divide the time between taking care of the family and earning a living.

Q: What are the challenges faced by scavenger mothers?

A: Scavenger mothers face several challenges, including health problems, limited resources, and the need for support from the government. They also struggle to provide for their families and manage the household.

Q: How do scavenger mothers contribute to their families?

A: Scavenger mothers contribute to their families by providing income, managing the household, and taking care of their children. They also try to provide motivation and emotional support to their children to encourage them to learn and grow.

Q: What is the role of the government in supporting scavenger mothers?

A: The government has a crucial role in supporting scavenger mothers by providing social assistance programs, health services, and social protection programs. They should also provide education and training programs to help scavenger mothers improve their skills and knowledge.

Q: How can the community support scavenger mothers?

A: The community can support scavenger mothers by providing social support, including emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. They can also help to raise awareness about the challenges faced by scavenger mothers and advocate for better policies to support them.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the lives of scavenger mothers and their families?

A: The recommendations include providing government support, economic empowerment, social support, and education and training programs. These programs can help to improve the quality of life of scavenger mothers and their families.

Q: Why is it important to raise awareness about the double role of the scavenger mother?

A: Raising awareness about the double role of the scavenger mother is important because it can help to encourage better policies to support them. It can also help to reduce the stigma associated with scavenging and promote a more positive understanding of the role of scavenger mothers in their communities.

Q: How can individuals get involved in supporting scavenger mothers?

A: Individuals can get involved in supporting scavenger mothers by volunteering their time, donating resources, and advocating for better policies to support them. They can also raise awareness about the challenges faced by scavenger mothers and promote a more positive understanding of their role in their communities.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of supporting scavenger mothers?

A: The long-term benefits of supporting scavenger mothers include improved health and well-being, increased economic stability, and a more positive understanding of their role in their communities. It can also help to promote social justice and reduce poverty and inequality.