GENDER PROGRESSIVE TEACHING IN PREMARITAL COURSE Study on Islamic Marriage Guidance Books for Prospective Muslim Couples

Abstract

For more than two decades, the government has been attempting to pay attention to gender equality in Indonesia. However, these efforts have not been claimed successful. This paper examines the contents of the marriage guidance book for bride and groom, initiated by the Office of Religious Affairs. This paper aims to analyze the concept of equality defined in the book. The primary source of this study is the marriage guidance book, which has been referred to by the Ministry of Religious Affairs: (1) The Marriage Guidance Module for Bride and Groom, and (2) The Sakinah Family Foundation Book. The data is also collected through interviews. The analysis was conducted using a gender approach, which is aimed at mapping the type of relationship between men and women within the family in the course book. After conducting research, it is found that the Ministry of Religious Affairs collaborated with a number of experts on gender equality in drafting the books. Therefore, the concept of gender equality between husband and wife presented in the books shows a progressive understanding.