Presentation Information
[P-21-01]Cultural Implications Of Fatherlessness In Indonesia: A Psychodynamic And Gender Identity Perspective
*Amita Rouli Purnama Sitanggang1, Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana2,3, I Putu Dharma Krisna Aji2,4 (1.Murni Teguh Tuban Bali Hospital(Indonesia), 2.Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Udayana University(Indonesia), 3.Ngoerah Hospital(Indonesia), 4.Udayana University Hospital(Indonesia))
Keywords:
fatherlessness,identity,gender formation,cultural implication
Background : It is said that Indonesia ranks as the third most fatherless country. Unicef in 2024 stated that more than 20% children in Indonesia grew up fatherless; despite annual celebration of National Father's Day on November 12th as one way to promote paternal involvement in parenting. On a daily basis, a significant number of patients present with various identity and gender issues stemming from the absence of a father figure in their upbringing, leading to mental health problems.
Metode : Employing a narrative review approach, this paper discusses the importance of a father figure and the reality of fatherlessness, related to identity and gender issues, as well as the potential connections on psychodinamics process and Indonesian culture.
Discussion : Fatherless is a phenomenenon where the father's role physically or psychologically absent that could trigger several impacts on children. In Indonesia, fatherlessness mainly caused by father’s absence due to workloads and social believe that father doesn’t includes in children’s nurture process. Children who experiencing this condition often seek compensatory emotional attachment to made up the hole that supposed to be filled with fatherly figure. Feelings of rejection from the father are frequently linked to low self esteem and self acceptance, greatly affects the development of assertive attitude skills in children especially in girls. The absence of a father figure also influences a child's sexual identity. Girls tend to develope a strong need for male validation, immerse herself in activities with men or involved in sexual activity with many partners; while boys may be more inclined to exhibit a feminine gender identity, seeking care from another man to replace his father.
Conclusion : A proactive approach and collaboration are needed to establish greater awareness of the fatherless issue, along with economic improvements, therapy, premarital or marital counseling, and parenting classes, as an attempt to minimize fatherlessness.
Metode : Employing a narrative review approach, this paper discusses the importance of a father figure and the reality of fatherlessness, related to identity and gender issues, as well as the potential connections on psychodinamics process and Indonesian culture.
Discussion : Fatherless is a phenomenenon where the father's role physically or psychologically absent that could trigger several impacts on children. In Indonesia, fatherlessness mainly caused by father’s absence due to workloads and social believe that father doesn’t includes in children’s nurture process. Children who experiencing this condition often seek compensatory emotional attachment to made up the hole that supposed to be filled with fatherly figure. Feelings of rejection from the father are frequently linked to low self esteem and self acceptance, greatly affects the development of assertive attitude skills in children especially in girls. The absence of a father figure also influences a child's sexual identity. Girls tend to develope a strong need for male validation, immerse herself in activities with men or involved in sexual activity with many partners; while boys may be more inclined to exhibit a feminine gender identity, seeking care from another man to replace his father.
Conclusion : A proactive approach and collaboration are needed to establish greater awareness of the fatherless issue, along with economic improvements, therapy, premarital or marital counseling, and parenting classes, as an attempt to minimize fatherlessness.