Exploring Identity: A Study of Masculine Behavior among Fatherless Adolescent Girls in Sukoharjo, Indonesia

Abstract

Fatherless refers to a condition in which a child grows up without a father figure, either in presence or influence. The absence of paternal involvement in parenting can reduce the supervision and guidance children receive, particularly in navigating their sexual identity. This lack of paternal influence may lead to a tendency among children to adopt gendered behaviors that differ from their assigned sex. This study aims to explore how fatherless adolescent girls develop and express masculine identity in their daily lives. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews with five adolescent girls, aged 17–25 years, who experienced fatherless and resided in Sukoharjo Regency. The data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's analytical method, which involves data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that adolescent girls experiencing fatherless often adopt masculine behaviors as a coping strategy to compensate for the absence of a paternal figure in their lives. This behavioral adaptation serves as a means of navigating their emotional and social challenges, highlighting the complex interplay between family dynamics and gender identity formation.