Relasi Kuasa dan Kerentanan Perempuan dalam Praktik Kawin Anak di Waru Pamekasan Madura

Abstract

Child marriage remains an ongoing social phenomenon in Madura, despite the government tightening the legal age for marriage. This practice is not only related to economic and educational factors, but is also influenced by power relations, patriarchal culture, and socio-religious control over women. This study aims to analyze the power relations that shape the practice of child marriage and explain women's vulnerability in this practice in Waru Pamekasan, Madura. The study used a qualitative approach with a socio-legal case study design. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving female child marriage participants, parents, religious leaders, teachers, health workers, village officials, and other relevant parties. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model, while theoretical interpretation utilized Michel Foucault's power relations perspective and patriarchal theory. The results show that the practice of child marriage is shaped by family power relations, social pressure, and moral-religious legitimacy that positions women as symbols of family honor. Power operates through cultural normalization, social control, and the formation of women's compliance with family decisions. This study also found that women who marry as children experience multidimensional vulnerabilities, including dropping out of school, economic dependence, psychological distress, and reproductive health risks. Thus, child marriage is a form of reproducing gender inequality and social control over women's bodies in Madurese society.