ASEAN Social Work Journal
Vol. 14 No. 1, June 2026

Social Resilience and Adaptive Strategies of Female-Headed Households in Indonesia: A Strength-Based Social Work Perspective

Tuti Kartika (Unknown)
Bambang Rustanto (Unknown)
Aryohaji Istyawan (Bandung Polytechnic of Social Welfare, Ministry of Social Affair, Indonesia)
Rajendra Panggita Vasthu (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jul 2026

Abstract

Female-headed households (FHHs), locally referred to as Perempuan Kepala Keluarga (PEKKA), represent a socially vulnerable group facing multiple and intersecting challenges in simultaneously managing productive and reproductive roles. Within a persistently patriarchal social context, FHHs often experience limited access to economic resources, employment opportunities, and social support. Despite these constraints, many demonstrate strong adaptive capacities that enable them to sustain household livelihoods. This study aims to analyze the adaptive strategies developed by female-headed households in Garut, Indonesia, and to examine how these strategies contribute to the formation of social and economic resilience from a strength-based social work perspective, with relevance to the ASEAN region. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach using in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Data were collected from five key informants and seventeen participants from PEKKA groups. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke was applied to identify patterns of resilience across the dimensions of power within, power with, and power to. The findings indicate that FHHs develop adaptive strategies through role prioritization, reliance on kinship networks, livelihood diversification, and engagement with community and government programs. Social resilience emerges not merely from external interventions but from internal strengths and collective solidarity.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

asw

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

ASEAN Social Work Journal (ASWJ) is an international social work journal, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal mandated by the ASEAN Social Work Consortium (ASWC) to be published by the country of Indonesia, specifically the Indonesian Social Work Consortium (ISWC). ISWC was established ...