Workers and Wives: How Javanese Women Negotiate Their Public and Domestic Roles in Contemporary Indonesia
In: Public AnthropologistSearch for other papers by Moh. Faiz Maulana in
Current site
Google Scholar
Abstract
This ethnographic study reveals that the evolving roles of Javanese women do not necessarily signify the replacement of traditional values. Instead, these changes reflect an adaptation of such values to meet new demands while preserving their identity as Javanese women. The contemporary era has brought about a reconfiguration of the konco wingking practice, which traditionally operated within the domestic sphere, but is now extending its scope to the public sphere. Today, konco wingking is no longer confined to the domestic sphere—encompassing activities around the kitchen, bedroom, and water source—but has expanded into public domains, or mergawe. This concept now represents an active role in supporting and managing household life while increasingly engaging in public responsibilities. These transformations highlight an ongoing negotiation of women’s identities, requiring a nuanced understanding of their positions within historical and contemporary societal structures. These shifts encompass both personal and socio-cultural dimensions, illustrating how women navigate their roles across domestic and public spheres. The research data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and interactions with informants, particularly women in Paciran involved in processing blue swimming crabs, locally referred to as nguplik.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 380 | 380 | 85 |
| Full Text Views | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 7 | 7 | 0 |
Workers and Wives: How Javanese Women Negotiate Their Public and Domestic Roles in Contemporary Indonesia
In: Public AnthropologistSearch for other papers by Moh. Faiz Maulana in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This ethnographic study reveals that the evolving roles of Javanese women do not necessarily signify the replacement of traditional values. Instead, these changes reflect an adaptation of such values to meet new demands while preserving their identity as Javanese women. The contemporary era has brought about a reconfiguration of the konco wingking practice, which traditionally operated within the domestic sphere, but is now extending its scope to the public sphere. Today, konco wingking is no longer confined to the domestic sphere—encompassing activities around the kitchen, bedroom, and water source—but has expanded into public domains, or mergawe. This concept now represents an active role in supporting and managing household life while increasingly engaging in public responsibilities. These transformations highlight an ongoing negotiation of women’s identities, requiring a nuanced understanding of their positions within historical and contemporary societal structures. These shifts encompass both personal and socio-cultural dimensions, illustrating how women navigate their roles across domestic and public spheres. The research data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and interactions with informants, particularly women in Paciran involved in processing blue swimming crabs, locally referred to as nguplik.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 380 | 380 | 85 |
| Full Text Views | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 7 | 7 | 0 |
