Alfan Miko, Delmira Syafrini, Jendrius
This study discusses the shifting patterns of care for elderly women in the changing matrilineal society of Minangkabau, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The Minangkabau are the most populous matrilineal culture in the world. One crucial characteristic of Minangkabau society is its communal and woman-centered family structure and women have special rights that protect them within the family and the community. However, this traditional ideal must be questioned, given the current tendency for women of advanced age to be placed in care homes for the elderly. Why are the special rights of women in their communities seemingly not applicable to the elderly? This study finds that the increased use of elderly care homes is a logical consequence of a significant transformation in the matrilineal culture of the Minangkabau. Changes in power relations, social categorization, and social structures justify the placing of elderly women in care homes. The traditional infrastructure has eroded over time, and the values and symbols of the past are no longer protected. In other words, placing elderly women in care homes is a logical consequence of unavoidable structural changes. Copyright © 2024, Asian Women. All rights reserved.
Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia
