Women's Gender Bias in the Nyerod Marriage System in Banjar Village

Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Singaraja, Indonesia

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Abstract

Marriage customs in Bali often reflect deeply rooted cultural traditions, yet some practices raise concerns about gender inequality. The nyerod marriage system, particularly within the Triwangsa caste, obliges women from higher castes to elope with men of lower castes, potentially restricting women’s freedom and reinforcing social stigma. While Balinese marriage traditions have been widely studied, limited attention has been paid to how women themselves perceive gender bias within this system. This study aims to explore women’s lived experiences of gender injustice in nyerod marriages and to assess its broader implications for gender equality in Balinese society. A qualitative approach was employed through in-depth interviews with Triwangsa women aged 15–35 years in Banjar Village, Buleleng Regency. The findings indicate that love or emotional attachment is the most frequently cited reason for nyerod marriage (50%), followed by economic considerations and family pressure. Nonetheless, participants reported constraints in partner choice, strained family relationships, and stigmatization when rejecting marriage within their caste. These experiences highlight how nyerod marriage, although culturally accepted, perpetuates women’s subordination and reinforces unequal power relations. The study concludes that cultural traditions must be critically re-examined to ensure they align with principles of gender equity. The implications underscore the need for community dialogue, legal safeguards, and increased awareness of women’s rights to balance respect for cultural heritage with the pursuit of gender justice.