Struggling Against Global Capitalism:  Women's Fight for Social & Economic Justice in Indonesia

Siti Aminah; Rizky Bangun Wibisono; Sulthoni Fikri

doi:10.35516/Hum.2025.8080

Authors

Siti Aminah Department of Political Science, Airlangga University, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7242-8937
Rizky Bangun Wibisono School of Social and Political Science, University of Glasgow, Scotland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9214-6140
Sulthoni Fikri Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9798-3653

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2025.8080

Keywords:

Gender inequality, social and economic injustice, power dynamics, postcolonial

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the struggle of women in Indonesia against the inequalities caused by capitalism, in particular will explore the aspect of Gender Pay Gap. The research aims to provide an explanation of the methods employed by women, particularly those working in the manufacturing sector, to achieve economic justice and equality in the face of capitalist forces that lead to job terminations. Additionally, this study reveals the strategies used by workers to attain social and economic justice in their workplaces.

Methods: This research employs an exploratory, descriptive, and analytical approach, utilizing qualitative methods. The study focuses on the struggles of female workers in Indonesia, with a specific emphasis on the industrial manufacturing centers in Jakarta and East Java, particularly in the cities of Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Data collection was conducted through interviews, direct observations, and the use of secondary data sources.

Results: The research findings indicate that the struggle of female workers to obtain their rights is severely constrained. Female workers face threats when seeking wage increases, making it exceedingly difficult for them to achieve higher wages. The study also highlights that participation in protests by female workers often leads to the risk of job termination without severance pay. The lack of government support for workers’ efforts to secure wage increases is seen as a stance aligning with global capitalism. Simultaneously, feminist politics often fail to adequately represent women within decision-making institutions. The power dynamics necessary to address social and economic inequalities have not been effectively managed by advocates of gender equality and justice.

Conclusions: Based on the aforementioned results, this study recommends enhancing government intervention programs to empower female workers in achieving social and economic justice through wage policy reforms.

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