Feminization of poverty and problem-solving capacity among female-headed households in indonesia: self-esteem and social support as determinants

Journal of Counseling, Education and Society July 08, 2026 Volume 7, Number 1 6 authors

Abstract

Female-headed households represent one of the most economically and psychosocially vulnerable groups in Indonesia; however, their internal coping capacities remain insufficiently explored within the social welfare literature. This study investigates how self-esteem and social support shape the problem-solving capacity of poor female-headed households in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive-explanatory case study design was employed, with data gathered through in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected primary informants prioritizing information-rich cases, two focus group discussion sessions, and participant observation. Data were analyzed using theory-guided thematic analysis following the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, and validated through source triangulation and member-checking procedures. The findings reveal that informants experienced a severe collapse of self-esteem and social misrecognition during the initial transition following spousal loss, further exacerbated by stigma within patriarchal rural communities. Active involvement in the Pekka Union served as a radical psychosocial turning point, reconstructing self-esteem through collective recognition and skill mastery. Social support emerged as the most dominant force shaping problem-solving capacity, substantially exceeding the contribution of self-esteem. These findings challenge deficit-oriented perspectives and affirm that resilience among female-headed households is relational and collectively constructed. Social welfare interventions should therefore adopt strengths-based and feminist empowerment strategies.

Authors

  1. Bambang Rustanto

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

  2. Tuti Kartika

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

  3. Dwi Yuliani

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

  4. Didiet Widiowati

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

  5. Ayi Haryani

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

  6. Aryohaji Istyawan

    Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung

Keywords

No keywords available

References

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