Negotiating and Rethinking Local Culture: The Narratives of Indonesian Women Juggling Higher Education, Work, and Domestic Roles

Abstract

This paper discusses the status and impact of local culture on the involvement of women in higher education. Starting with different narratives of women as they juggle higher education, work, and domestic roles and taking into account the local Indonesian local socio-cultural and religious context, this paper identifies issues encountered and overcome by Indonesian women pertaining to these different domains. It evaluates the complexities of the value system Indonesian women must address in their pursuit of higher education and degrees. Finally, the paper suggests that the reinvention and reevaluation of local values would benefit the advancement of education for women, particularly at the postgraduate level.