Gender Dynamics in the Built Environment: A Study of Madurese Taneyan Lanjhang Houses

Abstract

Abstract Gender norms as a subset of societal norms are manifested in vernacular households. In some aspects, Madurese traditional houses (Taneyan Lanjhang) define spaces according to the domains of men and women. This division implies that roles assigned to men and women are closely tied to whether those activities take place in the public or private domain. The actual experience of women and men nowadays, however, is more complex. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of men’s and women’s familial roles in shaping their dwellings as well as inhibition of domestic space within contemporary Taneyan Lanjhang homes. This study adopts a qualitative approach with empirical and descriptive methodology. The findings are derived from Taneyan Lanjhang houses in Alang-Alang Village, Bangkalan Regency, Madura through in-depth interviews to homeowners’ activities and alterations made to the house as well as visual observation. The results suggest that there are variations in how households implement gender structural roles. The community is more inclined to egalitarian distribution of roles and spaces. In certain areas traditionally expected to be occupied by either men or women, instances of overlap and blending are evident, suggesting that some gender roles are subject to interpretation, negotiation, and changes. A strict adherence to dichotomy of gender roles is proven to be not sustainable. This study contributes to the theoretical discussion of infrastructure and sustainability by examining how gender dynamics influence the design, utilisation, and sustainability of the built environment within Taneyan Lanjang community.