THE ROLE OF MOTHERS IN THE PATRIARCHAL STRUCTURE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON CHILD STUNTING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE DANI TRIBE IN JAYAWIJAYA DISTRICT, PAPUA MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Abstrak

The dominant patriarchal culture in Papua and the Papua Highlands, especially among the Dani tribe, is still adhered to by the majority of the community. This condition influences child-rearing patterns, which in turn contribute to stunting. This study aims to explore and understand the role of mothers in the patriarchal structure and its implications for child stunting: a qualitative study of the Dani tribe in Jayawijaya Regency. This type of research is qualitative, with 9 informants drawn using purposive sampling. The research instrument used in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed interactively, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that stunting problems in families are influenced by a strong patriarchal culture that positions fathers as the primary decision-makers. At the same time, mothers only act as implementers in child care and nutritional fulfillment. The limitations of mothers' roles and autonomy, including in accessing health services that often depend on husbands' permission, result in suboptimal fulfillment of children's nutritional needs and health care. In addition, values, norms, and power structures within the family, including in the Dani community, further strengthen the subordinate position of mothers and influence children's parenting and consumption patterns. The low level of public understanding about stunting also exacerbates this condition, so that interventions that are sensitive to local culture are needed by involving fathers, mothers, and community leaders to make stunting prevention efforts more effective.