Portraits of Women in Three Folklore of the Karo Tribe: Feminism Studies

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the portraits of women in three folk tales of the Karo region, namely Batu Renggang, Turin-Turin Beru Rengga Kuning, and Danau Lau Kawar, using a feminist approach. The analysis focuses on how women are portrayed in such folklore, including social roles, power, subordination, gender stereotypes, and resistance to patriarchal norms. The results show that women are often placed in subordinate roles limited by patriarchal social structures, but also have an agency to fight inequality through creative and courageous actions. This folklore not only reflects the cultural values of the Karo community but also serves as a medium to reflect on the dynamics of gender roles and social injustices experienced by women in traditional contexts.