Abstract
This study aims to describe the characteristics, background, and impacts of the Sandwich Generation phenomenon represented in the novel Dompet Ayah Sepatu Ibu by J.S. Khairen. A qualitative approach with a descriptive sociology of literature method was employed in this study. Data consisting of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences were collected through reading and note-taking techniques. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the characteristics of the Sandwich Generation are reflected in the responsibility toward two generations, the execution of dual roles, and the balancing of family interests. The background of this phenomenon is influenced by economic, demographic, and socio-cultural factors. The identified impacts include financial, health, and social aspects, as well as positive impacts in the form of intergenerational support. This study concludes that the novel Dompet Ayah Sepatu Ibu depicts the Sandwich Generation phenomenon as a reflection of Indonesian social reality. This reality is rich in values of responsibility, sacrifice, and family solidarity.
References
Abrams, M. H. (1981). The mirror and the lamp: Romantic theory and the critical tradition. Oxford University Press.
Bayu, D. (2021). Sebagian besar generasi sandwich berasal dari usia muda. Katadata/Kompas.
Burke, R. J., & Calvano, L. (2017). The sandwich generation: Caring for oneself and others at home and at work. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Damono, S. D. (1979). Sosiologi sastra: Sebuah pengantar ringkas. Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa.
Faidah, A. N., & Rahardjo, T. (2025). Representasi Fenomena Generasi Sandwich Dalam Film Home Sweet Loan. Interaksi Online, 13(3).
JAKPAT. (2020). How Indonesian sandwich generation deal with the economic shock of COVID-19. JAKPAT Survey Report.
Khairunnisa, I., & Hartini, N. (2022). Hubungan antara caregiver burden dengan subjective well-being pada ibu generasi sandwich. Jurnal Ilmu Psikologi dan Kesehatan (SIKONTAN), 1(2), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.47353/sikontan.v1i2.383
Khairen, J. S. (2023). Dompet ayah sepatu ibu. Jakarta: Gramedia Widiasarana Indonesia.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Miller, D. A. (1981). The “sandwich” generation: Adult children of the aging. Social Work, 26(5), 419–423. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/26.5.419
Munir, M., Rosidi, A., & Matori, M. (2026). Relevansi nilai pendidikan agama Islam dalam novel Dompet Ayah Sepatu Ibu terhadap fenomena generasi sandwich. Jurnal Tarbiyah, 32(2), 209–217.
Murdianingsih, K. (2025). Sandwich generation: Analisis pengaruh faktor keluarga dan ekonomi pada pekerja muda di Kecamatan Bantarbolang, Kabupaten Pemalang [Skripsi, Universitas Diponegoro].
Noor, R. (2007). Pengantar pengkajian sastra. Fasindo.
Nurgiyantoro, B. (2018). Teori pengkajian fiksi (Edisi revisi). Gadjah Mada University Press.
Nuryasman, M. N., & Elizabeth, E. (2023). Generasi Sandwich: Penyebab Stres dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Keputusan Keuangan. Jurnal Ekonomi, 28(1), 20–41.
Swingewood, A. (1986). Sociological Poetics and. Aesthetic Theory. Macmillan.
Swingewood, A., & Laurenson, D. (1972). The sociology of literature. Paladin.
Teeuw, A. (2015). Sastra dan ilmu sastra. Dunia Pustaka Jaya.
Wellek, R., & Warren, A. (2014). Theory of literature. Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iqbal Maulana, Yenni Hayati (Author)