The social construction of gender relation reality: an analysis of time management applied on sustainable bamboo forestry among families in Ngadha, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract

Gender discourse in Indonesia is currently developing very rapidly. On one hand, gender activists have focused on gender mainstreaming. On the other hand, the socio-cultural reality in Indonesia persists with the old traditional construction of power relations between men and women. Feminists fight for justice and inclusiveness for women. However, their struggle must be confronted with the fact that the prevailing socio-cultural norms still tend to be male-dominant. This paper will reveal how the social reality of power relations in the realm of gender is constructed in rural areas in Indonesia. The subjects studied are families at the clan level who are managing sustainable bamboo forestry in Ngadha Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The research was conducted in 2019-2021. The methods used are participatory rural appraisal (PRA), in-depth interviews, and observation as participants. Time allocation is used as the object of this study to create gender mapping. The analysis is carried out using a social construction theory. This study concluded that the clan of Neguwulacan adopt the HBL system. This is reflected in the emergence of local initiatives to manage finances, the workforce, groups, as well as build and implement them at the clan level. The gender relations that exist in SBF practice at the clan of Neguwula are relative. First, in terms of family lines, women obtain benefits because could hold matrilineal law. Political decisions remain in the hands of women. Second, practically speaking, women work twice as much in domestic and commercial work. Third, in some cases, deliberation is put forward for a fair division of labor. At this point, inclusiveness emerges as a reality that colors gender relations.