The Minangkabau Matrilineal System: Implications for Gender and Education in West Sumatra

Abstract

The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra are known for their matrilineal social structure, where descent and inheritance are passed through the mother. This paper investigates how the Minangkabau's matrilineal traditions influence educational practices, gender roles, and the transmission of knowledge within the family and community. Focusing on the intersection of gender and education, the study examines how Minangkabau girls are educated within their family units and how the values of matrilineality shape their roles in the community, particularly in the areas of leadership, economic independence, and cultural preservation. The research explores how schools and universities in West Sumatra are incorporating local knowledge and values into their curricula and how gender equality is both promoted and challenged within the context of Minangkabau culture. The paper contributes to the broader discourse on gender and education by offering a critical look at how indigenous cultural norms can either empower or limit educational opportunities for women in Indonesia, particularly in the context of a traditional matrilineal society.