Gender Roles in the Practice of Paulakhon within the Batak Toba Patrilineal System

Abstract

The Batak Toba patrilineal system in North Sumatra still maintains the practice of paulakhon (returning) or the term traditional divorce lawsuit, where women as wives are considered to have failed to provide sons to continue the clan for the family and fail to be good housewives will be returned to the woman's family. This research aims to analyze women's inequality in the Batak Toba patrilineal system with the practice of paulakhon (returning). According to Connel (1987) explains that gender relations are not only shaped by individuals, but are shaped by broader social structures, including the concept of hegemonic masculinity which maintains male dominance which shows that gender norms are controlled by the patriarchal system. The research method used is a qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and data analysis. The results showed that paulakhon places women in a subordinate position and limits their rights. However, social change is starting to provide space for women to gain more equal rights in the family and society.