Women and the Indonesian Folktales: Gender Perspective

Abstract

Folktales as traditional literature cannot be separated from the context of gender. In this regard, this research raises Indonesian folktales rooted in oral traditions in relation to gender. Currently, the idea of gender equality has become a very common topic of discussion for the past three decades, and folktales that are recorded and circulated in electronic form in Indonesia need to be studied. This study was conducted on 5 (five) samples of folktales for elementary school students that have been published by the Agency for Language Development and Development, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. The research method used in this research is qualitative. The results showed that these stories still put forward women with images that must be beautiful, behave in a friendly and gentle manner, have a noble character, are skilled in domestic work, are the target of many men, and ignore social competencies such as understanding constitutional and security matters. In fact, with the changing times, folktales which can be role models for future generations should also be important to accommodate these values without having to change the storyline passed down from generation to generation. The main image of female characters tends to be focused on their physical beauty and her gentle; while male character images tend to focus on physical strength, wisdom, and ability to protect and lead.