Family Socio-Economic Practices in Shaping Adolescent Sexual Behavior: An Ethnographic Study in Makassar City

Authors

  • Andi Ilham Muhtar Makassar State University, Indonesia
  • Darman Manda Makassar State University, Indonesia
  • Syamsu A. Kamaruddin Makassar State University, Indonesia
  • Arlin Adam Mega Buana Palopo, Indonesia
  • Syukurman Nggusuwaru University, Indonesia

Keywords:

Adolescent Sexual Behavior, Family, Socioeconomic Practices

Abstract

This study aims to understand how family socio-economic practices play a role in shaping adolescent sexual behavior in Makassar City. The research focuses on parenting patterns, social control, and the influence of economic factors on adolescents' access to information and interaction with their environment. This study uses a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods. Data were obtained through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with adolescents, parents, and community leaders, as well as field documentation. Data analysis was conducted using Spradley's ethnographic model, which includes domain analysis, taxonomy, component analysis, and cultural themes, and its validity was tested through triangulation of sources, techniques, and time. The results of the study show four important findings. First, the socioeconomic conditions of families influence patterns of interaction and supervision of adolescents, with economically disadvantaged families being more vulnerable to weakened social control. Second, permissive parenting patterns arise as a result of economic burdens, while families with stable economies are able to foster open communication and instill moral values. Third, economic status determines adolescents' access to technology and media that have the potential to increase their exposure to sexual information. Fourth, cultural and religious values within the family serve as important filters that can minimize risky sexual behavior, even in limited economic conditions. This study confirms that the interaction between socioeconomic, cultural, and religious factors shapes adolescents' habitus in managing their sexual behavior in urban environments.

References

Ali, M. M., Merdad, L., & Bellizzi, S. (2021). Socioeconomic variations in risky sexual behavior among adolescents in 14 sub-Saharan African countries who report ever having had sex. International Journal for Equity in Health, 20(11).

Andriyani, F. D., Biddle, S. J. H., & De Cocker, K. (2021). Adolescents’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study of mothers’ perspectives. BMC Public Health, 21, 1864

Ansari, A., & Almutairi, F. (2023). Religion, culture, and adolescent sexual behavior: Protective factors in traditional societies. Journal of Youth Studies, 26(4), 511–527.

Astuti, W. (2020). Keluarga dan Pengawasan Sosial Remaja. Jakarta: Rajawali Pers.

Badan Kependudukan dan Keluarga Berencana Nasional. (2021). Profil keluarga Indonesia 2021. BKKBN.

Brown, B. B., & Larson, J. (2020). Peers and Adolescents: The Critical Role of Peer Relationships in Development. New York: Routledge.

Bungin, B. (2020). Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif: Aktualisasi Metodologis ke Arah Ragam Varian Kontemporer. Jakarta: RajaGrafindo Persada.

Burhanuddin, B. (2021). Pendidikan Seksual Komprehensif untuk Pencegahan Perilaku Seksual Pranikah pada Remaja. Jakarta: Prenadamedia.

Chaerul, A., Yusriani, Y., & Nurlinada, A. (2022). Premarital sexual behavior of boarding students in Makassar City. Science Midwifery, 10(4), 2935–2941.

Chen, M., & Yu, H. (2022). Parenting style, family socioeconomic status, and adolescent behavior. Journal of Family Studies, 28(3), 421–438.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2021). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.

Desmond, S., Price, M., & Walker, K. (2021). Peer influence and adolescent sexual behavior in low-income contexts. Youth & Society, 53(7), 1129–1150.

Fitriani, R. (2020). Tradisi siri’ na pacce dalam pengendalian perilaku remaja Bugis-Makassar. Jurnal Antropologi Indonesia, 41(2), 133–146.

Gopalan, G., Perry, D. F., & Lee, S. J. (2020). Parenting stress and permissive parenting among low-income families. Child & Youth Services Review, 116, 105–126.

Gunawan, I. (2020). Sosiologi Pendidikan: Relasi Keluarga, Sekolah, dan Teman Sebaya. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2019). Ethnography: Principles in Practice (4th ed.). London: Routledge.

Hamzah, A. (2021). Peran agama dalam pencegahan perilaku seksual remaja. Jurnal Sosial Keagamaan, 12(1), 45–60.

Hayat, A., Khan, R., & Zubair, M. (2022). Religious orientation and adolescent sexual behavior: A cross-cultural analysis. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 27(1), 115–132.

Hidayah, N. (2021). Keluarga dan pendidikan agama sebagai kontrol sosial perilaku remaja. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, 6(2), 145–158.

Hidayat, R. (2021). Akses teknologi digital remaja perkotaan: Peran ekonomi keluarga dan kontrol sosial. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, 18(2), 133–147.

Ibnu, I. F., Wahjuni, C. U., & Devy, S. R. (2020). Narrative stories of high risk sexual behaviors among adolescents in Makassar City. Journal of Public Health Research, 9(2), 1830.

Jessor, R. (2021). Family economic condition and adolescent risk behavior. Journal of Adolescent Research, 36(4), 451–469.

King, P. E., & Boyatzis, C. J. (2020). Religiousness and adolescent sexual behavior: Exploring protective mechanisms. Journal of Adolescent Research, 35(6), 731–754.

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (2020). Naturalistic Inquiry (Updated Edition). Beverly Hills: Sage.

Livingstone, S., & Byrne, J. (2020). Youth and digital media: Opportunities and risks. Journal of Children and Media, 14(2), 207–214.

Lu, F., Wang, Y., & Wu, X. (2024). The relationship between family-school socioeconomic status match and adolescent aggressive behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1407851.

Mediawati, A. S., Yosep, I., & Mardhiyah, A. (2022). Life skills and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey. Belitung Nursing Journal, 8(2), 132–138.

Nasirudin, M. (2020). Budaya lokal sebagai filter moral remaja di era globalisasi. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.

Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal. (2023). Determinants of adolescent pre-marital sexual behaviour in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 30(3), 199–205.

Nurlaila, S. (2022). Pengaruh peer group terhadap perilaku seksual remaja dari keluarga miskin. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Sosial, 14(1), 55–68.

Parker, L. (2021). Religion, culture, and adolescent sexuality: A global perspective. London: Routledge.

Pink, S., Horst, H., Postill, J., Hjorth, L., Lewis, T., & Tacchi, J. (2021). Digital Ethnography: Principles and Practice (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Rahman, F., Jane, B. S., Ngandoh, M. C. P., Saputri, W., & Karima, P. A. T. (2023). Description of social media use and self-esteem of adolescents in Makassar City. Berkala Kedokteran, 19(2), 179–186.

Rahman, S. (2024). Agama, keluarga, dan pengasuhan remaja di era digital. Jakarta: Rajawali Pers.

Rahmawati, S. (2021). Pola asuh keluarga dalam konteks tekanan ekonomi: Dampaknya terhadap perilaku remaja. Jurnal Sosialita, 17(2), 89–104.

Ritzer, G. (2022). Sociology: Global Edition (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Santrock, J. W. (2021). Adolescence (17th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Sejati, P. E. (2022). Premarital Sexual Behavior in Adolescents in Terms of Parenting: Meta-Ethnography. Journal of Quality in Women’s Health.

Smith, L. & Johnson, P. (2021). Families and Adolescents: Social and Economic Perspectives. London: Routledge.

South-East European Journal of Public Health. (2025). Peer influence, family dynamics, and social media in risky sexual behaviors of female street adolescents in Makassar: A qualitative study. SEEJPH.

Steinberg, L. (2023). Adolescence and Peer Influence (12th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Sugiyono. (2020). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Susanti, R. (2020). Komunikasi keluarga dalam membangun kontrol sosial remaja. Jurnal Komunikasi Pendidikan, 22(1), 45–56.

UNICEF, UNDP, Prospera, & SMERU Research Institute. (2021). Analysis of the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on households and strategic policy recommendations for Indonesia. UNICEF Indonesia.

Valkenburg, P. M., & Piotrowski, J. T. (2022). Plugged In: How Media Attract and Affect Youth. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Vasilenko, S. A., Lefkowitz, E. S., & Welsh, D. P. (2022). Sexual Behavior and Health from Adolescence to Adulthood. Social Science & Medicine, 298, 114–121.

Wahyuni, W., et al. (2024). How’s Knowledge, Attitudes, Family Roles, and Source of Information Influence Premarital Sex Behavior? International Journal of Human Resource Development (IJHRD).

World Health Organization. (2022). Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: Global status report. Geneva: WHO.

Wu, J., Shen, H., Shen, Y., Liao, X., & Yu, X. (2024). The influence of family socioeconomic status on college students’ mental health literacy: The chain mediating effect of parenting styles and interpersonal relationships. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1477221.

Published

2026-01-15

How to Cite

Muhtar, A. I., Manda, D. ., Kamaruddin, S. A. ., Adam, A. ., & Syukurman. (2026). Family Socio-Economic Practices in Shaping Adolescent Sexual Behavior: An Ethnographic Study in Makassar City. Indonesian Annual Conference Series, 5, 260-269. Retrieved from https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/iacseries/article/view/2522