Integrated Social Empowerment to Improve the Quality of Life of Vulnerable Groups in Urban Areas

Abstract

This study aims to develop an Integrated Social Empowerment Model (ISEM) to address the low effectiveness of sectoral empowerment programs, which reflects a gap between government policy and the sustainable improvement of urban vulnerable groups’ quality of life. Employing a qualitative methodology with an intrinsic case study design in Harmoni Subdistrict, Kencana City, the research provides an in-depth understanding of service implementation failures. This site was selected due to its juxtaposition of abundant programs and high structural vulnerability, offering rich insights. Eight key informants—including bureaucrats, service providers, community representatives, and families were purposively selected to achieve triangulation of perspectives. Thematic analysis reveals that program ineffectiveness arises from conflicting orientations (output versus outcome), violation of New Public Service principles, and lack of formalized co-production, neglecting existing community capacities. The study proposes ISEM as a novel framework that integrates professional interventions, family support, and community networks through sustainable participatory mechanisms. Findings suggest enhancing public service management quality via collaboration and citizen engagement, with recommendations highlighting regulatory reforms to establish a Collaborative Social Service Coordination Unit (CSSCU) for structural co-production implementation.