The Application of Feminism in Minangkabau Matrilineal System

Abstract

This qualitative research is about how Minangkabau people apply feminism in their matrilinealism system. Feminism which is known as an ideology that defends the equality of  right between woman and man in social life when mostly men have the role in many sectors. Minangkabau people believe woman has important role in social life. It can be seen on how they use proverb in their daily life. Proverb is commonly used by Minangkabau people in order to deliver the message or indirect expression in daily activity. This study analyzes  the proverbs which express the role of women in Minangkabau. In this study, the researchers use Haley’s theory on analyzing the proverbs that use metaphor as the figurative language and classifying them into nine types based on the semantic field. The objectives study of this research are (1) to identify Minangkabau proverbs about the role of woman, (2) to identify the types of metaphor in Minangkabau proverbs, (3) to describe feminism that applied in Minangkabau matrilinieal system. This study results feminism also applied in Minangkabau in the matrilinealism system. Minangkabau applies that women have equal right and access to opportunites in the society. However there are three positions that woman is not allowed in Minangkabau, such as Manti (a tribe leader), Malin (a religion leader), and Dubalang (a leader of tribe safety).