Support for Single Mothers

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 77 views

Women's Subordination in Toba Batak Customs: Case Study of Women as Single Parents in Dalihan Na Tolu Philosophy

Introduction

The Toba Batak community, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their customs and traditions. One of the most significant aspects of Toba Batak culture is the philosophy of Dalihan Na Tolu, which emphasizes the importance of respect, balance, and mutual support among family members. However, despite the noble principles of Dalihan Na Tolu, women in the Toba Batak community often face subordination and inequality, particularly when they take on the role of a single parent. This study aims to explore the various forms of subordination experienced by women as single parents in the context of Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy and to identify the cultural mindset that perpetuates these inequalities.

Research Methodology

This study employed a critical paradigm as a researcher's perspective and a qualitative method with a case study approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with five informants who met the specified criteria, and the data obtained was analyzed to identify patterns and themes related to the subordination of women as single parents in the Toba Batak community. Literature research was also conducted to support the analysis and provide a deeper understanding of the cultural context.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that the informants, who were all single parents, experienced subordination through various forms of communication, both verbal and nonverbal. This subordination was often at odds with the values taught in Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity and role of women. The study found that the cultural mindset of the Toba Batak community often prioritizes the interests of men and ignores the needs and rights of women, particularly those who take on the role of a single parent.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy contains local wisdom values that emphasize the importance of balance and mutual respect among family members. The three pillars of this philosophy are Hula-hula (in-laws), dongan sabutuha (siblings), and boru (daughter or woman in the family). However, in practice, there is a significant gap between the expected values and the reality faced by women as single parents. Women who take on this role often have to fight harder to get recognition and support, and their status is often ignored in various aspects of social, economic, and political life, even in the context of the family.

The Double Challenges Faced by Single Mothers

The study highlights the double challenges faced by single mothers in the Toba Batak community. Not only do they have to meet their daily needs, but they also have to maintain their dignity and rights as individuals. This is a significant challenge, particularly in a cultural context where women are often expected to prioritize the needs of their family over their own needs and desires.

The Need for Social and Cultural Changes

This study emphasizes the need for social and cultural changes that support women's empowerment. The Toba Batak community needs to reflect on the values that exist and apply them in a more inclusive way, which not only benefits some parties but also respects the rights and positions of women, especially those who take on the role of a single parent. This requires a fundamental shift in the cultural mindset of the community, one that prioritizes the dignity and rights of women and recognizes their importance in the family and society.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that although the philosophy of Dalihan Na Tolu contains principles that should support the existence of women in society, the reality faced by women as single parents shows a significant gap. Joint efforts are needed from all elements of society to ensure that the noble values are applied consistently, so that women can undergo their role with decent dignity and prosperity. This requires a commitment to social and cultural change, one that prioritizes the empowerment of women and recognizes their importance in the family and society.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and Awareness: The Toba Batak community needs to be educated about the importance of women's empowerment and the need to recognize the dignity and rights of women, particularly those who take on the role of a single parent.
Policy Changes: The government and local authorities need to implement policies that support women's empowerment and recognize the importance of women in the family and society.
Community Engagement: The community needs to be engaged in discussions and debates about the values and principles of Dalihan Na Tolu and how they can be applied in a more inclusive way.
Support for Single Mothers: The community needs to provide support for single mothers, including financial assistance, emotional support, and access to education and training.

By implementing these recommendations, the Toba Batak community can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, one that recognizes the dignity and rights of women and supports their empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Women's Subordination in Toba Batak Customs

Q: What is the philosophy of Dalihan Na Tolu, and how does it relate to women's subordination in the Toba Batak community?

A: Dalihan Na Tolu is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of respect, balance, and mutual support among family members. However, despite its noble principles, the reality faced by women as single parents in the Toba Batak community shows a significant gap between the expected values and the actual treatment of women.

Q: What are some of the forms of subordination experienced by women as single parents in the Toba Batak community?

A: The study found that women as single parents experienced subordination through various forms of communication, both verbal and nonverbal. This subordination was often at odds with the values taught in Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity and role of women.

Q: What are the three pillars of Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy, and how do they relate to women's subordination?

A: The three pillars of Dalihan Na Tolu's philosophy are Hula-hula (in-laws), dongan sabutuha (siblings), and boru (daughter or woman in the family). However, in practice, there is a significant gap between the expected values and the reality faced by women as single parents. Women who take on this role often have to fight harder to get recognition and support, and their status is often ignored in various aspects of social, economic, and political life, even in the context of the family.

Q: What are the double challenges faced by single mothers in the Toba Batak community?

A: Single mothers in the Toba Batak community face double challenges, not only in meeting their daily needs but also in maintaining their dignity and rights as individuals. This is a significant challenge, particularly in a cultural context where women are often expected to prioritize the needs of their family over their own needs and desires.

Q: What are some of the recommendations for addressing women's subordination in the Toba Batak community?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and Awareness: The Toba Batak community needs to be educated about the importance of women's empowerment and the need to recognize the dignity and rights of women, particularly those who take on the role of a single parent.
Policy Changes: The government and local authorities need to implement policies that support women's empowerment and recognize the importance of women in the family and society.
Community Engagement: The community needs to be engaged in discussions and debates about the values and principles of Dalihan Na Tolu and how they can be applied in a more inclusive way.
Support for Single Mothers: The community needs to provide support for single mothers, including financial assistance, emotional support, and access to education and training.

Q: How can the Toba Batak community work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society?

A: The Toba Batak community can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society by implementing the recommendations outlined above. This requires a commitment to social and cultural change, one that prioritizes the empowerment of women and recognizes their importance in the family and society.

Q: What are some of the potential benefits of addressing women's subordination in the Toba Batak community?

A: Addressing women's subordination in the Toba Batak community can have numerous benefits, including:

Improved health and well-being for women and children
Increased economic opportunities for women
Enhanced social and cultural cohesion
Greater respect and recognition for women's rights and dignity

By working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, the Toba Batak community can build a brighter future for all its members.