Playing Card Gambling (ethnographic Study Of Gambling Functions In Mothers In Sei Belutu Village, Sei Bamban District)

Feb 28, 2025 by ADMIN 119 views

The Hidden World of Playing Card Gambling: Uncovering the Stress-Healing Functions for Mothers in Sei Belutu Village

Introduction

Gambling, particularly playing card gambling, is often viewed as a negative and destructive activity. However, what if it serves as an escape for some individuals to cope with the pressures of life? This ethnographic study delves into the phenomenon of playing cards in Sei Belutu Village, Sei Bamban District, with a focus on the gambling functions for mothers. By exploring the experiences of 32 informants through in-depth interviews and participatory observations, this study reveals the association of mothers who engage in playing card gambling and their perception of it as a stress-healing activity.

The Stress-Healing Functions of Playing Card Gambling

The study found that the association of mothers who enjoy playing card gambling in the village does exist. They consider it an effective stress healer to alleviate the burden of their minds. Through card games, mothers are able to momentarily forget their problems, whether related to family, work, or economic issues. This phenomenon is not unique to Sei Belutu Village, as similar findings have been reported in other studies.

Ms. E. Sinaga, one of the informants, shared her experience of playing card gambling as a means to cope with her family problems and unsatisfactory agricultural products. She revealed that through gambling, she felt a temporary sense of calm, although she acknowledged that this calm was only temporary. This narrative highlights the complex relationship between gambling and stress relief, where the activity provides a momentary escape from the pressures of life.

The Functions of Playing Card Gambling for Mothers

This study identified several functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village:

Recreative/Entertainment

Gambling serves as a form of entertainment and escape from the daily routine. Card games provide pleasure and excitement for a moment, allowing mothers to forget the pressures of life. This function is particularly significant for mothers who have limited opportunities for leisure activities.

Socialization

Gambling associations become a forum for mothers to interact and socialize. They can share stories, experiences, and emotional support, which is essential for building strong social connections. This function highlights the importance of social relationships in maintaining mental well-being.

Time

Playing card gambling is a way to fill spare time and avoid boredom. For mothers who have a lot of free time, gambling is an interesting and challenging activity that provides a sense of purpose. This function is particularly relevant in rural areas where opportunities for leisure activities may be limited.

Economy

Although not always the primary goal, some mothers also see gambling as an opportunity to get additional financial benefits, even though the chances of winning are small. This function highlights the economic aspect of gambling, where some individuals may view it as a means to supplement their income.

Implications and Recommendations

This study shows that playing cards for mothers in Sei Belutu Village have a deeper meaning than just negative activities. Although it cannot be denied that gambling has a risk, understanding the social and psychological functions of gambling for mothers is essential to build more holistic strategies in managing gambling problems in the community.

It is crucial to remember that gambling still has a risk and can have a negative impact. The community, especially families and the surrounding environment, need to provide support and attention to mothers involved in gambling. Economic empowerment, provision of recreational facilities, and counseling programs can be a more positive alternative to overcome stress and improve the welfare of the community.

Conclusion

This ethnographic study provides a unique perspective on the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village. By exploring the experiences of 32 informants, this study reveals the association of mothers who engage in playing card gambling and their perception of it as a stress-healing activity. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social and psychological functions of gambling to build more holistic strategies in managing gambling problems in the community.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in other communities. Future studies can explore the following directions:

Investigating the impact of playing card gambling on the mental health of mothers
Examining the role of social support in managing gambling problems
Developing more effective strategies for economic empowerment and counseling programs

By continuing to explore the complex relationship between gambling and stress relief, we can develop more effective interventions to support mothers and other individuals who engage in playing card gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Functions of Playing Card Gambling for Mothers in Sei Belutu Village

Introduction

The study on the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village has generated significant interest and debate. To provide clarity and address concerns, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers.

Q&A

Q1: What is the main purpose of this study?

A1: The main purpose of this study is to explore the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village, with a focus on understanding the social and psychological aspects of this activity.

Q2: What is the significance of this study?

A2: This study is significant because it provides a unique perspective on the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in a rural community. It highlights the importance of understanding the social and psychological functions of gambling to build more holistic strategies in managing gambling problems in the community.

Q3: What are the main functions of playing card gambling for mothers?

A3: The main functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village are:

Recreative/Entertainment: Gambling serves as a form of entertainment and escape from the daily routine.
Socialization: Gambling associations become a forum for mothers to interact and socialize.
Time: Playing card gambling is a way to fill spare time and avoid boredom.
Economy: Some mothers also see gambling as an opportunity to get additional financial benefits.

Q4: Is playing card gambling a negative activity?

A4: While playing card gambling can have negative consequences, this study highlights the social and psychological functions of this activity for mothers in Sei Belutu Village. It is essential to understand the complexities of gambling and its impact on individuals and communities.

Q5: What are the implications of this study?

A5: The implications of this study are that understanding the social and psychological functions of playing card gambling is essential to build more holistic strategies in managing gambling problems in the community. It also highlights the importance of providing support and attention to mothers involved in gambling.

Q6: What are the recommendations for future research?

A6: Future research should focus on investigating the impact of playing card gambling on the mental health of mothers, examining the role of social support in managing gambling problems, and developing more effective strategies for economic empowerment and counseling programs.

Q7: Can playing card gambling be a positive activity?

A7: Yes, playing card gambling can be a positive activity when it serves as a form of entertainment, socialization, and stress relief. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with this activity.

Q8: How can communities support mothers involved in playing card gambling?

A8: Communities can support mothers involved in playing card gambling by providing economic empowerment, recreational facilities, and counseling programs. It is also essential to provide a supportive environment and address the underlying issues that may contribute to gambling problems.

Conclusion

This Q&A article provides a comprehensive overview of the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in Sei Belutu Village. It highlights the importance of understanding the social and psychological functions of this activity and provides recommendations for future research and community support.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Future Directions

This Q&A article provides a foundation for further research and discussion on the functions of playing card gambling for mothers in other communities. Future studies can explore the following directions:

Investigating the impact of playing card gambling on the mental health of mothers
Examining the role of social support in managing gambling problems
Developing more effective strategies for economic empowerment and counseling programs