The Role of the Social Services Department in Handling Neglected Elderly People in Karawang Regency: An Analysis of Biddle & Thomas' Role Theory and Yin's Logic Model

Abstract

This qualitative case study research analyzes the role of the Karawang Regency Social Services Department in handling neglected elderly people through Biddle & Thomas's role theory (expectation, norms, performance, and sanctions). Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Subsequently, the collected data was structured and analyzed using the logic model technique. The results indicate that while the service foundation is legally strong, its implementation in the field still suffers from gaps and output polarization. In the expectations and norms dimensions, information asymmetry and disconnect in expectations occur, wherein partner private nursing homes have not received equitable budget stimuli or logistics. In the role performance dimension, civil rights advocacy and health insurance programs have been implemented, but their effectiveness is hindered by classic bureaucratic obstacles, such as budget constraints, inaccurate integrated data updates, and a lack of outreach vehicles for remote areas. Consequently, in the sanction dimension, the monthly oversight mechanism is deemed to be stagnant at the desk-level administrative stage. The Karawang Social Services Department needs to reform its strategy from a passive bureaucratic approach to a proactive one through a "jemput bola" (active outreach) movement with RT/RW officials, convert the quarterly assistance scheme into a monthly one, and establish regulatory transparency to achieve equitable social justice for all neglected elderly people. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the theoretical integration of Biddle & Thomas's Role Theory with Robert K. Yin's Logic Model causality framework, which has never been previously applied in the context of social bureaucracy governance in Karawang Regency.