Comparing vulnerability and social network responses across lifecourse stages, cultures and socio-economic strata in Indonesia

Abstract

We know that different stages in a lifecourse harbour particular opportunities and challenges due to the specific transitions associated with those lifecourse stages. The successful (or otherwise) navigation of lifecourse transitions and crises then has implications for future outcomes. Despite their specificity, many crises can be reduced to a set of types of losses: loss of health, loss of livelihood, loss of network member, loss of reputation. This simplification facilitates comparative analysis across different lifecourse stages and subgroups. This paper examines vulnerability at different lifecourse stages by comparing life history data from six Indonesian communities. We ask: What are key sources of vulnerability experienced by people at different stages of the lifecourse, focusing on a) family formation; b) middle age; and c) old age? What are the relevant social networks people at different stages have access to, and how are these shaped by culture, socio-economic position, gender and location? To what extent are networks able and willing to mitigate the vulnerabilities experienced by members at different stages? The paper draws on data from a comparative ethnographic research project, funded by the Australian Research Council, which studies economic, social and health vulnerabilities over the lifecourse in six communities. These capture important ethnic, demographic and socio-economic heterogeneity in Indonesia. The project employs a common methodology (participant observation, life history interviews, network mapping) across the sites, some of which are familiar from earlier ethnographic research on ageing in Indonesia. The paper first maps key vulnerabilities at the three lifecourse stages in the six communities; it then focuses on a particular crisis (loss of health or loss of livelihood) and compares social network responses across stages and communities. This sheds light on our understanding of how lifecourse disruptions are mitigated differentially depending on location within the lifecourse, socio-economic landscape and local culture.

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ORCID for Elisabeth Schröder-Butterfill: orcid.org/0000-0002-5071-8710

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