Balinese woman

Paternalism plays an important role in Balinese society. When a woman marries, she transfers all social and religious responsibilities from her family to her husband's community. Women have almost no autonomy of their own, and they never live independently. They are not members of the banjar (neighborhood association) or the desa adat (village community) as individuals.

Women in Balinese society are bound by duties, often heavier than men's, that fundamentally define them as an ideal woman (Luh Luwih). Luh Luwih is embodied when a woman performs daily household chores (cooking, cleaning, parenting), religious commitments (preparing house and communal rituals), family planning, and roles as a working woman flawlessly.

To fulfill her cosmic law and order, the 'wise woman' will engage in a variety of social, cultural, and religious activities (dharma). She will avoid the other end of the spectrum: Luh Luu, which translates as "rubbish woman." While the ideal woman goes about her daily routine, the 'rubbish woman' will try to deviate from the norm.