Journal of Southern Sociological Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Voices from The South (First Edition)

The Women's Dual Roles: Case Study of Informal Sector Working Mothers

Istiyana Afifah (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember)
Dhea Arisati (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember)
Nanindhita Nur Khasanah (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember)
Desti Nadya Amanda (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember)
Rizqan Kariema Mustafa (Department of Interdiciplinary NGO of Chonnam National University, Gwangju)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2025

Abstract

In many Global South societies, especially in Southeast Asia, women are increasingly burdened with dual responsibilities in the informal economy and domestic sphere. This phenomenon of dual roles often leads to role conflict, disproportionately affecting women’s well-being due to persistent gendered expectations and structural inequalities. This study aims to explore how women navigate these conflicts in contexts shaped by patriarchal norms and economic precarity. Using a qualitative phenomenological method, the research draws insights from in-depth interviews with three women workers in the informal sector in Jember, Indonesia, who also bear domestic responsibilities. The findings reveal that these women face significant role strain due to the unequal division of labor at home, although some receive minimal support from their spouses. Despite these challenges, women continue to strive for balance between productive and reproductive labor. Framed by feminist theory and situated within Global South epistemologies, this study highlights how gender inequality is reproduced through everyday practices. It also calls for more context-sensitive policies that recognize and support the invisible labor of women in informal sectors across the Global South.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jsss

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

The journal is dedicated to sociological knowledge by publishing original research articles and critical review essays that address a wide range of social issues. These issues may arise from southern country, such us Asian, African, or other countries. We welcome both theoretical and empirical ...