Gender Relations in Agrarian Societies: Unveiling Hidden Influences in Farming Families

Abstract

This research explores gender relations in agrarian societies in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, with a focus on the role of women in farming families. Women play a crucial role in agricultural activities such as land management, planting, and harvesting. However, their contributions are often excluded from formal economic statistics, as they are seen as part of domestic responsibilities. Gender inequality in these communities is reinforced by patriarchal norms that grant men control over land and strategic decision-making. Using qualitative methods, this study gathered data from 202 informants, including female farm laborers, family members, and community leaders. Data were analyzed using Spradley's model, identifying key themes such as the double burden on women, limited access to agricultural resources, and male-dominated decision-making processes. The findings reveal that in the agrarian society of Enrekang Regency, patriarchal norms continue to dominate family decision-making and resource management. Men are generally regarded as the heads of families, entitled to make strategic decisions, while women are relegated to supportive roles in implementing these decisions. Additionally, gender-based wage discrimination was identified, with women working as farm laborers often receiving lower wages than men despite performing similar tasks. The study also highlights the additional challenges faced by women farmers in the context of climate change, where their limited access to adaptive technologies exacerbates their vulnerability to environmental challenges, such as declining land productivity. Furthermore, restrictions in education and access to information further marginalize women in the ongoing agricultural modernization process. This research recommends more inclusive, gender-responsive policies, including improving women's access to economic resources and technology, as well as providing fairer recognition of their contributions. It is hoped that these findings will offer new insights into efforts to reduce gender inequality and enhance the well-being of women in the agricultural sector.