Countering Stereotypes: How Female Politicians in Indonesia Utilize Instagram
Keywords:
Women in electoral politics, Gender stereotypes, Social media strategies, Instagram campaigns, Political barriersAbstract
This research investigates the role, challenges, and obstacles faced by women in electoral politics in Indonesia, despite the legal stipulation of a 30 percent quota for women's representation in legislative institutions. Predominantly male political culture, gender stereotypes, and lack of support from political parties are significant barriers. Social media, particularly Instagram, has emerged as a crucial tool for challenging these barriers and promoting inclusivity in politics. This study employs a qualitative method, combining social media content analysis and a literature review to focus on women's political participation on Instagram during campaigns. Data collection involved documenting women's political activities on social media and reviewing relevant literature. An in-depth analysis was then conducted to identify patterns and trends, which are presented comprehensively. The findings reveal persistent gender bias among voters but also highlight the growing importance of social media strategies in building a positive image for female politicians and combating stereotypes. The study concludes that to effectively overcome these challenges, collective efforts in political education, public awareness, party support, and network-building among female politicians are essential.
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