Forge and Flex: Stories of Resilience From Indonesian PhD Mama-Scholars in the United States

• In Event: Women's Health and Reproductive Freedom

Abstract

This autoethnographic research explores the resilience of four Indonesian PhD mama-scholars in the US as they balance multiple identities and roles in academia. The study utilizes focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to examine how these scholars navigate academic and personal conflicts, emphasizing cultural experiences and narratives. Findings reveal that juggling roles is inevitable, with spirituality/faith as a pivotal coping strategy. Community engagement and harnessing cultural capital were also crucial for adaptation and resilience. Emerging themes include juggling multiple roles, spirituality/faith, community engagement, cultural capital, and intersectionality. The study advocates for institutional support and policy changes to accommodate diverse needs, promote inclusivity and equity in academia, and contribute to gender studies and women's empowerment.

Authors

• Tryanti R. Abdulrahman, Universitas Islam As-Syafi'iyah

• Laurentia Sumarni, Ohio State University

• Sidrah Afriani Rachman, Universitas Negeri Makassar

• Eva Mushoffa, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta