EXPLORING GENDER ROLES IN THE STORY OF I LA GALIGO
Abstract: This paper aims at
exploring the gender roles in the story of I La Galigo. This story is an epic
of the Bugis society featuring the adventure and the lives of the first humans
occupying and living in the Earth. Based on the analysis, gender roles can be
seen in the story, such as the roles of Datu Palinge’ as the wife who can
influence the decision making of the King, Sang Patoto’e. The reflection of
gender can also be seen in the expected behaviors of Bugis men and women for
masculinity and femininity. Men are expected to be warani (brave) and women are
expected to be malebbi’ (modest). These expected behaviors can be seen from
women characters, We Nyili’ Timoand We Datu Sengngeng, and from men characters,
Batara Lattu’and Sawerigading. Another gender issue can also be seen in the
pattern of patrilineal society and the tendency to marginalize women’s
position.
Author: Murni Mahmud
Journal Code: jpsosiologigg140025
