Women as The Victim of Stereotypes in Sintren

English Department, State Polytechnic of Malang

^* Corresponding author: hiqma@polinema.ac.id

Abstract

The role of women in dance in Indonesia can raise the local wisdom of an area such as a rural one. One of the pretty phenomenal arts is Sintren. The peculiarity of Sintren originating from the area in Pemalang appoint as a novel entitled Sintren by Dianing Widya Yudhistira. This paper aims to show that stereotypes of women are very influential in repressing their thoughts and actions so that they live in shackles and cannot determine the path of life they choose. Women from low backgrounds often stereotype being ugly, poor, unkempt, so they want to become a Sintren dancer who is very close to magical elements but can transform into beautiful women and have lots of money. This stereotype negates the existence of women who should be free from the shackles of the ideal woman stereotype: beautiful, rich, and adored by many men. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method using library data. The concepts of gender relations, patriarchal culture, and a feminist approach use as analysis tools. The author raises the story of Sintren in a literary work to show women who are often victims of stereotypes that colonize their bodies and minds. As a result, this novel reinforces the weak position of rural women and often becomes the victim of stereotypes and stigma that exist in society.