Breaking new grounds

: observations on the social position of women among the Sasak in Lombok

Abstract

This dissertation is about Sasak women and their contemporary social position. It is argued that traditional law (adat) in Lombok oppresses women and Sasak patriarchy is an obstacle to women's education, freedom and equality. The research demonstrates that the increasing process of Islamisation in Lombok has a definite positive effect on the aforementioned aspects and enhances Sasak women's chances of obtaining education regarding their rights, health and economic matters. On the anthropological map, Lombok is rarely mentioned. It has not received sufficient recognition especially in the field of women's studies. This thesis discusses the main contemporary issues Sasak women are confronted with, that is rural traditional life, health, marriage and their development in a patriarchal society, and how they go about it. The majority of Lombok's women show an enthusiasm in advancing their social position which is demonstrated in Lombok's own local organisations, respected by the community and with a bright promising future. The dissertation is based on six months of ethnographic fieldwork in Lombok conducted among Sasaks in rural hamlets, Islamic women's organisations, NGO's, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and Sasak women of various social levels. It is divided into five chapters and a conclusion.

Date of Award	Mar 2003
Original language	English
Supervisor	Christine Doran (Supervisor)