Social Construction of "fisherman": Fisherman is Always Man, Women Loss Their Privileges

Abstract

Several areas in Indonesia, including in Purworejo villages, Demak regency of Central Java, women went to sea to catch fish. Unfortunately, there are no guarantee of safety for women. They do not get any insurance from the government, because they dont have "Kartu Nelayan" (card for fishers). Although the government already has a protection program for fishers, women are always left out from this program. This study uses Phenomenology to describe how ideology is maintained in the society. This study found that the discourse of fisherman continues to be maintained, even unconsciously, by women themselves in their struggle. The social construction or the ideology about fisherman, that fisherman always a man, put women on the second class. Even though they go to sea, with the same workload and risk, they are only considered just to "help" their husband's economy. This study argues, to change this situation, it is required to change the social order fundamentally.