Overcoming Patriarchal Cultural Behaviors That Have the Potential to Increase Stunting Through Child Protection Law
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: The high rate of stunting in East Nusa Tenggara Province is related to patriarchal cultural practices that affect decision-making patterns in households. The dominance of fathers in determining aspects of child nutrition and health has an impact on the fulfillment of children's rights, especially in North Central Timor Regency. Purposes of the Research: This study aims to analyze the relationship between patriarchal culture and stunting and assess the role of the Child Protection Law in efforts to overcome it. Methods of the Research: This study uses a descriptive normative-empirical legal research method with a qualitative approach through non-participatory observations, direct interviews, and normative studies of the Child Protection Law. Results Main Findings of the Research: The results of the study showed a significant relationship between patriarchal culture and the increase in stunting rates in Noemuti District, North Central Timor Regency. The main findings included maternal dependence on husbands' decisions, low discipline in children's feeding time since pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the phenomenon of double burdens experienced by mothers. These conditions have an impact on the non-optimal fulfillment of child nutrition and health. The Child Protection Law has the potential to be used as a normative, imperative, and repressive instrument through socialization and enforcement of the obligations of parents, especially fathers (in patriarchal culture), in ensuring the fulfillment of children's rights.
Language: English
Topic: Public Health and Nutrition
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219589001