EXPLORING GENDER ROLES IN THE STORY OF I LA GALIGO

Abstract

This paper aims at exploring the gender roles in the story of I La Galigo. This story is an epic of the Bugis
society featuring the adventure and the lives of the first humans occupying and living in the Earth. Based on the
analysis, gender roles can be seen in the story, such as the roles of Datu Palinge’ as the wife who can influence the
decision making of the King, Sang Patoto’e. The reflection of gender can also be seen in the expected behaviors
of Bugis men and women for masculinity and femininity. Men are expected to be warani (brave) and women are
expected to be malebbi’ (modest). These expected behaviors can be seen from women characters, We Nyili’ Timo
and We Datu Sengngeng, and from men characters, Batara Lattu’ and Sawerigading. Another gender issue can also
be seen in the pattern of patrilineal society and the tendency to marginalize women’s position.
Key words: Bugis society, I La Galigo, Gender roles.