Deconstructing gender norms in pesantren a critical etnography study of the pesantren curriculum in Indonesia

This study uses a critical ethnographic approach to examine gender norms in the pesantren curriculum. Fieldwork at Pesantren Nurul Huda shows systematic reproduction of patriarchal structures. Analysis of the kitab kuning and teaching materials reveals gendered portrayals that privilege men as authorities while confining women to domestic roles. This study employs a critical ethnographic, literature-based method supported by Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis. Curriculum documents, kitab kuning, and prior interviews are analyzed as cultural artifacts to uncover gendered narratives. Through triangulation and ideological critique, the study reveals how pesantren curricula reproduce patriarchal ideologies while also opening spaces for resistance, offering insights for inclusive and gender-responsive education reform. This study shows that pesantren in Indonesia reproduce patriarchal gender norms through curricula, spatial arrangements, and pedagogy. Male-dominated narratives, lack of female representation, and authoritarian teaching reinforce inequality. Yet, resistance emerges as female teachers and santri introduce women scholars’ perspectives, create alternative spaces, and promote critical dialogue. Though limited, these efforts point to pedagogical shifts, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive curricula, emancipatory pedagogy, and inclusive forums to advance justice in pesantren. This study contributes by exposing how pesantren reproduce patriarchal structures while also highlighting emerging spaces of resistance. It advances scholarly debates in gender and Islamic education by integrating critical discourse analysis with ethnographic insights, offering practical directions for curriculum reform, inclusive pedagogy, and policy development toward gender-just pesantren.