Cultural Change and Decision-Making in Three Families of Former Migrant Women from Kulon Progo Regency

Abstract

This research examines the forms of cultural change that influence decision-making processes within three families of former female migrant workers from Hong Kong, currently residing in Kulon Progo Regency. Through an exploratory qualitative approach, the research aims to understand individual and group behavior related to the topic. The findings reveal that, first, the increasing of recognition and trust for women capabilities in managing the household economy. Second, the migration experience, which yielded economic advantages, has enhanced women’s self-confidence, empowered their roles, and strengthened their bargaining positions within the family. Third, the experience of migration has fostered a heightened critical awareness among women, prompting them to challenge traditional social constructions surrounding gender roles in the household. The study further identifies three major forms of cultural change that impact decision-making, which depicted through (1) an egalitarian decision-making model within the family, which reflects the continuity of pre-existing egalitarian values that are further reinforced through interactions with new cultural contexts during migration, (2) a shift in gender relations that signals a growing tendency toward female dominance in the family structure, leading to female-dominated household dynamics, and (3) the emergence of critical consciousness among women to question and engage in dialogue about domestic roles, although this awareness has yet to significantly alter family cultures that remain deeply rooted in patriarchal norms. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on women's growing awareness and their efforts to foster an egalitarian culture in the division of household labor.