Journal of Creative Power and Ambition (JCPA)
Vol. 4 No. 01 (2026): Journal of Creative Power and Ambition (JCPA)

The Wounds Behind the Numbers: A Phenomenological Study of Men's Experiences in Facing Bride Price Pressure from a Social Accounting Perspective

Rahmat Hidayatullah (Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Nasruddin Nasruddin (Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Nur Asia (Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Darwis Darwis (Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Arifuddin Arifuddin (Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 May 2026

Abstract

Uang panai is a Bugis-Makassar customary practice that has increasingly transformed into a significant financial burden for men seeking marriage. This study aims to explore the lived experience of men facing uang panai pressure through the lens of social accounting. A qualitative phenomenological approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyze in-depth interview data from nine male informants in South Sulawesi. Four main themes emerged: (1) uang panai as a social accountability burden exceeding economic capacity; (2) psychological pressure and masculinity identity crisis; (3) negotiation and resistance strategies; and (4) redefinition of uang panai meaning within contemporary social accounting frameworks. Findings affirm that uang panai has shifted from a symbolic-cultural function to a financially-based social control mechanism creating deep psychological wounds, while urging value reconstruction of customary practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jcpa

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Creative Power and Ambition (JCPA) (E-ISSN 3031-4054) is a blind peer-reviewed journal published by Edujavare Publishing, Indonesia. This journal publishes research articles, conceptual articles, field study reports and book reviews on all scopes of Business Innovation and Creation, ...