The Reality of Angkola Batak Women as Divorce Single Parents in Padangsidimpuan

Abstrak

Divorce in North Padangsidimpuan District has continued to increase over the past five years, amidst the patrilineal and religious Batak Angkola society. Divorced young women bear the dual burden of being breadwinners and caregivers, while also facing moral judgment regarding their status. This study specifically examines the meaning and social acceptance of young single-parent Batak Angkola women, a topic that has not been widely explored in previous studies. The purpose of this study is to analyze the meaning and societal acceptance of divorced young single-parent Batak Angkola women. The method used is qualitative, located in North Padangsidimpuan District. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, then analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and data analysis using Berger and Luckmann's social construction theory (externalization, objectivation, internalization). The results show that divorce among young Batak Angkola women is generally caused by domestic violence, prolonged disputes, and economic instability due to the lack of responsibility of the husband. Objectivation is seen in the limitations of roles in customs, moral judgments based on family honor, and the existence of three patterns of attitudes: neutral, sympathetic, and suspicious, which make divorce status normalized but still monitored with heavier control over women. Social acceptance is seen through support for job opportunities, involvement in social and religious activities, and moral and material support from family, neighbors, and local institutions.