Job Description of Husband and Wife in the Gayo Tribe |
The division of roles between husband and wife in agriculture is also based on family deliberation, but the decision maker is still the man (husband). This is because the Acehnese people adhere to Islamic law. In agricultural activities, men play a role in heavy work. While women play a role in light work.
This pattern refers to habits that have become a hereditary culture in society. Since childhood, they have seen how parents divide roles in the family, so this also becomes a reference or basis for them in dividing roles between men and women in agricultural activities. In the household, women are key actors in realizing household food security on the grounds that food security is part of their reproductive role.
For gardening matters, the division of labor between men and women in certain cases is obvious. Heavy or rough work is done by men. While "light" work is taken care of by women with the help of men as well. Rough work such as cutting down wild plants in the garden, digging holes, and so on.
Such work requires great stamina. However, this division is not made because women are positioned as weak or lacking stamina. This division of labor is based on the spirit of cooperation, mutual support, between husband and wife.
Women's work in the fields is also facilitated by the use of certain appropriate technologies. Usually technology is involved starting from planting preparation, sowing seeds, maintenance, to harvesting. The same is true for men's work.
For example, clearing weeds is no longer done manually. There are cutting/cleaning machines used. This means that it can be concluded that the involvement of technology makes the division of roles in the garden between men and women relatively balanced.
The division of labor between male and female farmers is divided into two sectors. The division of labor first begins at the family level. Here, among other things, it is agreed which is the absolute role of the wife, which is the husband's part, and which can relatively be done together. There is no absolute division.
Let's say in matters of washing clothes or caring for children, the wife and husband each agree to do it according to certain circumstances.
The husband does not act superiorly in the family. Things that are done are the result of discussions that lead to internal agreements. This agreement can then expand as the number of adult members in the family increases. The division of labor also immediately characterizes the existence of specific needs, habits, and skills.
The latter is an ability that can only be done maximally by one family member and cannot be done by others. For example, in the matter of cutting down large trees using heavy equipment, the head of the family (male) is determined as the only party who has this ability; or at least until their sons have reached adulthood with reliable physical abilities.[]
Photos of the atmosphere of life in Tanoh Gayo, Aceh Tengah, Indonesia.