Women in Economic Activities: Minangkabau Cultural Perspective

Abstract

The focus of this research is the role of women in economic activities based on Minangkabau cultural perspective, the role of Minangkabau women in economic activities, and the shifting roles of Minangkabau women in economic activities. Literature explains that Minangkabau women do control economic resources, however the husband is the breadwinner, and the wife manages the family finances from the husband’s income. In fact, many Minangkabau women are currently involved in economic activities as the primary breadwinner and support their husbands in earning a livelihood. The role of Minangkabau women in economic activities has shifted along with the social changes of society. This research aims to describe the perspective of Minangkabau’s matrilineal culture regarding women’s involvement in economic activities. This research was conducted in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia.The study employs an ethnographic research design, with data analysis techniques using domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, and componential analysis. The findings indicate that (1) women’s involvement in economic activities, specifically as culinary entrepreneurs of Minangkabau’s distinctive cuisine, is permitted according to the perspective of Minangkabau’s matrilineal culture; (2) Women entrepreneurs in Minangkabau’s culinary industry play a significant role in the family’s economy and the business activities. In the family economy, they act as the primary breadwinners and support their husbands in earning a livelihood. In business activities, they participate in the production and distribution process; and (3) Ownership and inheritance of high inheritance assets and low inheritance assets remain unchanged, with high inheritance assets governed by customary law and low inheritance assets governed by Islamic law. However, the role of Minangkabau women in economic activities has shifted. According to Minangkabau’s culture, the primary breadwinner in the family is the husband, and the wife is allowed to assist in the household’s economic activities. Nowadays, Minangkabau women are found to be the primary breadwinners, and their husbands help them manage their culinary business, which is the primary source of family income. These research findings are recommended can be used as a guide to increase women’s engagement in economic activities.