GENDER INJUSTICE TOWARDS GORONTALO KARAWO CRAFTSMEN

Abstract

Karawo craftsmen, mostly women in Gorontalo, are regarded as less prestigious occupations within the social system of Gorontalo society. This study aims to identify and analyze gender inequality affecting female karawo craftsmen. The research employs a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, where key informants are karawo craftsmen, and supplementary informants are karawo industry actors. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document reviews, then analyzed using thematic analysis methods. The study's findings indicate that there is no significant wage difference. When comparing manual labor wages, the differences are determined more by motives than by gender. However, a wage gap exists between karawo craftsmen and other daily wage labor professions predominantly performed by men. This disparity suggests that women's interest in professions related to art and aesthetics remains lower compared to jobs requiring physical and high-energy exertion. Women working as karawo craftsmen face gender inequality. In a patriarchal society, domestic roles are considered the "natural" duty of women, making them responsible for nearly all household duties. This study concludes that while there is no income disparity between male and female craftsmen, female craftsmen experience a double burden, working both as artisans and as housewives and breadwinners.