Mother-Daughter Communication Patterns in the Moral Development of Migrant Female University Students in Malang

Brilliant Budi Nurani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)
Vina Salviana Darvina Soedarwo (University of Muhammadiyah Malang)
Fida Pangesti (Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria)

Jurnal Perempuan & Anak
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Agustus

The phenomenon of migrant female university students in Malang presents challenges in social adaptation and adolescent moral formation, making mother-daughter communication crucial for maintaining emotional proximity and instilling moral values. This study analyzes these communication patterns and their influencing factors by employing a qualitative descriptive approach with purposive sampling among female Sociology students at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang. Data gathered via observation, interviews, and documentation were analyzed utilizing George Herbert Mead's symbolic interaction theory and Diana Baumrind's parenting theory. Findings reveal that mother-daughter communication occurs intensively, openly, and dialogically, primarily through digital media. This interaction transcends mere information exchange, serving to internalize moral values such as religiosity, responsibility, and self-control. The communication patterns predominantly reflect authoritative (democratic) parenting, occasionally shifting to semi-authoritarian approaches under specific conditions to balance freedom, control, and moral guidance. Mothers function as active listeners and guides, fostering reflective decision-making in their daughters. Crucial influencing factors encompass communication intensity and consistency, openness, mutual trust, time constraints, established parenting styles, and the students' newly encountered social environment.