Social values in the novel Hidup Ini Keras Maka Gebuklah and their potential as literature teaching materials for high school students

Abstract

Background-Education is not only oriented toward cognitive development but also contributes to students’ social and character development. Literary works can provide contextual representations of social relationships, conflicts, and values that are relevant to literature learning. Prie GS’s novel Hidup ini Keras Maka Gebuklah presents adolescent social realities, family relationships, educational experiences, economic inequality, and interpersonal conflict through the character of Ipung. Previous studies of this novel have mainly focused on comparative literary elements, character psychology, and dehumanization. Objectives-This study aims to examine the social values represented in the novel and to analyze their potential relevance as literature teaching material for high school students. Method-This study employed a descriptive qualitative design using documentation, heuristic reading, hermeneutic interpretation, and qualitative content analysis. Relevant textual excerpts were identified, recorded, coded, categorized, and interpreted according to their narrative and social contexts. The credibility of the analysis was strengthened through an audit trail and theoretical cross-checking. Results-The analysis identified twelve categories of social values, namely empathy, caring, kinship, responsibility, solidarity, tolerance, democracy, self-control, self-acceptance, material values, vital values, and spiritual values. These values are represented through character responses, dialogue, family relationships, school experiences, economic conditions, interpersonal conflicts, and reflections on social life. The findings also indicate that the novel has potential relevance for Phase F Indonesian language literature learning because it provides linguistic, psychological, and socio-cultural content that can be integrated into literary appreciation activities. Conclusions-Hidup Ini Keras Maka Gebuklah contains diverse social values that may support literature learning and character-oriented discussion among high school students. However, this study does not empirically establish its classroom suitability because teachers, students, curriculum experts, and classroom implementation were not involved in the research. Therefore, the novel should be considered a potentially relevant literature teaching resource rather than a validated instructional intervention.