Religiosity, masculinity, and marital satisfaction among Javanese Muslim men

Abstract

This exploratory study describes Javanese Muslim men’s definitions of masculinity or manhood. The research study involved interviewing key informants, group interviews with Javanese men, and survey research. In this sequential mixed-methods research design, the construct of masculinity was operationalized and relationships between religiosity, masculinity, and marital satisfaction and harmony were explored. Men’s perceptions of the changing gender roles in Javanese society were also examined as they relate to marital satisfaction. Masculinity experiences were rated for their importance and included head of family responsibilities, being strong, constructive relationships with others, and constructive mental activity. The survey research showed religiosity related positively to the importance of the masculinity experiences, marital satisfaction, and marital harmony, and the positive relationship between religiosity and marital satisfaction was mediated by the importance of masculinity experiences. The findings are discussed within the context of Javanese culture.