Sawwa: Jurnal Studi Gender
Vol 17, No 1 (2022): April

Inventing the Reinvention? Tradition and the Body of Dancing Women

Yusti Dwi Nurwendah (Postgraduate Program, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2022

Abstract

The practice of dance has historically been associated with complex social and political functions. There is abundant evidence demonstrating dance’s centrality in society, and it has become an integral part of the historical process. Concurrently, dance becomes an identity associated with women. In line with Hobsbawm’s concept of the invention of tradition. This study investigates the Jathilan Obyog tradition in Ponorogo through the lens of Hobsbawm’s notion of the invention of tradition, focusing on the dominant elite and the participation of Jathil women. The present study employs a qualitative approach, specifically utilizing ethnographic methodology. The data were collected through participant observation, interviews, and documentation that were tailored to the specific context and research objectives. The investigation employed the notion of the fabrication of tradition, initially introduced by Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger, as the focal point of exami­nation. The result shows that in a hegemonic endeavor that attempts to ‘discipline’ the tradition, Jathil women have succeeded in determining the power to reinvent tradition in picturesque ways, primarily through the body and with massive media support to create the process of reconstructing social memory and imagination. This research brings positive views of women as cultural agents within society.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sawwa

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Sawwa: Jurnal Studi Gender focuses on topics related to gender and child issues. We aim to disseminate research and current developments on these issues. We invite manuscripts on gender and child topics in any perspectives, such as religion, economics, culture, history, education, law, art, ...