Configurations of Masculinity and Power Relations in the Novels Kembara Rindu and Negeri 5 Menara: A Perspective from R.W. Connell
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55909/jpbs.v5i5.1892Keywords:
masculinity, power relations, novels, Kembara Rindu, Negeri 5 MenaraAbstract
This study examines configurations of masculinity and power relations in Habiburrahman El Shirazy’s Kembara Rindu and A. Fuadi’s Negeri 5 Menara through R.W. Connell’s perspective. The article is a focused derivative of a master’s thesis, concentrating on how masculine practices gain legitimacy, occupy relational positions, and are reproduced through pesantren as a social institution. The study employs a qualitative interpretive approach, fiction analysis at the micro level, and hermeneutic reading. The working corpus consists of 50 coded data, 25 from each novel, including dialogue, narration, actions, characterization, conflicts, and relations among characters. Initial coding indicates that complicit masculinity is the most frequent pattern: 16 of 25 data in Kembara Rindu and 20 of 25 data in Negeri 5 Menara. Hegemonic masculinity appears in 8 and 3 data respectively; marginalized masculinity in 1 and 2 data; while subordinate masculinity does not form a strong pattern. Both novels construct a religious-productive masculinity through religiosity, knowledge, discipline, hard work, responsibility, independence, leadership, solidarity, and usefulness to others. Their orientations differ: Kembara Rindu constructs masculinity as protective and responsibility-oriented, whereas Negeri 5 Menara constructs it as intellectual and achievement-oriented. The findings indicate that pesantren functions as an agent of masculine socialization and an arena in which power relations are legitimized. Connell’s categories, however, must remain relational rather than being reduced to a list of male traits.
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