Sexual Division of Labor: Functional for Family Existence (Based on the case of Hamap Ethnic Family in Alor-NTT Regency)

Abstract

The gender division of labor is a social phenomenon that is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of society. The purpose of this division of labor is for the family to function as a stable and intact unit. In Indonesia, one community with unique characteristics in the division of labor is the Hamap tribe, who live in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This division of labor shows differences in roles between men and women, which significantly affects family dynamics. This research aims to analyze the existence of the gender division of labor in Hamap ethnic families, with a focus on analyzing the impact of husband-wife relations on the status concerned. The method used in this research is a qualitative case study approach, where data is collected through interviews and literature study. After the data were collected, the analysis was conducted in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the gender division of labor in Hamap ethnic families has been going on for a long time, following their life cycle. Generally, men are responsible for earning a living in the public sector, and women handle activities in the domestic sector. Although wives are also actively involved in the productive sector, it is the husband who dominates decision-making in the family, because he controls productive assets and has the authority to control productive activities, while wives work monotonously, relying on their energy and loyalty to their husbands. In this case, the wife is alienated, but this practice is functionalist in order to maintain the balance of the family and society, and that occurs within the control of the social structure.