Is Indonesia becoming more Patriarchal?
Economic growth, urbanisation, education, and female labour force participation are usually expected to advance gender equality. That’s certainly what occurred in Europe, North America, Latin America, and East Asia. Likewise, we might anticipate that Indonesia’s economic boom would unleash cultural liberalisation and gender equality.
So let’s check Indonesia’s Demographic and Health Survey, which provides nationally representative data on women’s attitudes to wife-beating. Look at the table below and tell me what leaps out as a flashing light.
Young women are more likely to justify male violence
40% of Indonesian teenage girls justify male violence. 20% of teenage girls think they should be beaten if they leave the house without telling their husbands. Older women are much more opposed. The generation difference is stark.
Young married men are more likely to justify male violence
This table includes responses from married men. Ignore those aged 15-24: men who marry young are probably especially conservative. Look at those over 30.
20% of married men in their early 30s say wife-beating can be justified.
Older married men are much opposed.
Over the past twenty years, public support for female leaders has declined. Indonesians are now less likely to want female leaders.
Young Indonesians are also more likely to say that men make better leaders.
What big, structural change might explain rising demand for patriarchy?