Javanese Women Identity Regarding 3M: Macak-Manak-Masak Values

Abstract

In Javanese society that adheres to the patriarchy system, women’s position as a wife is under the husband, it’s like konco wingking (friend in behind), who should obey all the husband’s order Swargo nunut neroko kathut (following husband in heaven or hell). As a wife, Javanese women identity revolves around her territory of 3M: Macak-Manak-Masak (Dress-up, giving offspring, cooking). This certainly limits the Javanese women’s movement and places her under man. This paper is based on the finding in previous research about Javanese women’s identity in society. Emancipation and globalization have gradually driven the changes of Javanese married women’s position to become a garwo – sigaraning nyowo (half of the husband’s life), which has an equal and important role in achieving the concept of dadi wong in the society.