The Economic Role of Sasak Women in a Patriarchal Culture

The Sasak community of Lombok is deeply rooted in tradition and Islamic values, which often place women in a subordinate role within the social hierarchy. Despite this, Sasak women play a central role in sustaining household and community economies through their engagement in various economic sectors, such as traditional weaving, local trade, and migrant labor. This article explores the economic contributions of Sasak women and how they navigate the constraints of a patriarchal cultural system. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study draws on field observations and in-depth interviews with women working in Sukarara’s weaving industry, traditional markets, and among returning migrant workers. The findings reveal that although women are often confined by cultural norms to domestic roles, they demonstrate remarkable agency and adaptability in supporting their families financially. Their labor, while not always publicly recognized, becomes essential in local economic resilience. Moreover, Sasak women strategically negotiate their dual roles as economic actors and bearers of cultural expectations, often balancing between conformity and subtle resistance. This research contributes to the discourse on gender and local development by highlighting the invisible yet vital role of women in sustaining rural economies in traditional societies. It suggests the need for more culturally-sensitive gender empowerment strategies that acknowledge both the limitations and strengths within local contexts.