Dukuhseti Women in a Negative Stigma Environment: Simone De Beauvoir’s Existentialist Feminist Study

Abstract

Dukuhseti is a sub-district located in Pati Regency, Central Java. This area is infamous for the dark history of prostitution that flourished in the 70s. This condition still exists today, although not very much. The background and reasons why Dukuhseti women are involved in prostitution and the efforts they have made to get out of the "dark world" cannot erase the negative stigma that has developed in society. By using Simone De Beauvoir's study of the female existentialist, this study aims to describe the existence of women in Dukuhseti, Pati. This research is qualitative descriptive with research data obtained from interviews and FGD, as well as several supporting references and documentation. The results of the study generally show that the existence of Dukuhseti women in the fight against the negative stigma of society is still very far from Beauvoir's expectations. Even though some of them have managed to fight back and succeed by getting their freedom, most of them are still confined and unable to get out of this condition. To confirm their existence, Dukuhseti women must carry out transcendent processes, such as obtaining higher education, get work, being independent, and being actively involved in community activities.