Women's Resistance to Religious Values in Several Indonesian Novels of the 2000s: A Feminist Literary Criticism Review

Abstract

This study examines women's resistance to religious values in several Indonesian novels from the 2000s, aiming to reveal the forms and causes of such resistance. The analysis is based on feminist literary criticism, complemented by James C. Scott’s theory of resistance. Data collection was conducted through a literature review, while data analysis and interpretation employed a qualitative descriptive method. The findings indicate that female characters in these novels resist oppression and injustice both openly and covertly. The study also reveals that this resistance arises from women's critical awareness that religion has been used as a tool to reinforce male dominance. Religion, which serves as a reference for truth and morality, has been misinterpreted and socially constructed in ways that create gender imbalances. As a result, women in these novels seek various strategies to reclaim their agency and challenge the structures that marginalize them. Their resistance is expressed through personal struggles, intellectual discourse, and acts of defiance against traditional norms. This study emphasizes the urgency of reinterpreting religious values to foster a more just and equitable society for both men and women.

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