Symbolic Violence in the Practice of Sexist Jokes against Female Workers in the Workplace

Haniyah Rizki Oktaviani; Edi Santoso; Wiwik Novianti; Shinta Prastyanti; Mite Setiansah

doi:10.47814/ijssrr.v9i6.3365

Haniyah Rizki Oktaviani Student of Master’s Program in Communication Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8847-5371
Edi Santoso Lecturer of Master’s Program in Communication Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-5740
Wiwik Novianti Lecturer of Master’s Program in Communication Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Shinta Prastyanti Lecturer of Master’s Program in Communication Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Mite Setiansah Lecturer of Master’s Program in Communication Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v9i6.3365

Keywords: Sexist Jokes, Symbolic Violence, Female Workers, Workplace, Gender Inequality

Abstract

This study examines sexist jokes in the workplace as a form of symbolic violence experienced by female workers in Indonesia, employing a qualitative descriptive approach grounded in Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of symbolic violence. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven female informants across diverse occupational sectors, complemented by document analysis of relevant sources. The findings reveal that sexist jokes frequently manifest as comments on women’s bodies and appearance, sexually suggestive remarks, and gender stereotypes that undermine women’s competence. Rather than functioning as harmless humor, these practices operate as symbolic mechanisms that reinforce gender inequality and sustain male dominance within workplace interactions. Their normalization is facilitated by repeated exposure, collective acceptance, and the absence of explicit organizational regulations, leading such practices to be widely perceived as commonplace. This study concludes that sexist jokes constitute a form of symbolic violence that reproduces patriarchal values and unequal power relations in the workplace, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and stronger institutional frameworks to promote safer and more equitable work environments.

References

Amelia, P., Ritonga, H. J., & Walisyah, T. (2022). Humor Seksis Pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Dakwah dan Komunikasi Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Angkatan 2019-2020 Menurut Perspektif Komunikasi Islam. Maktabatun: Jurnal Perpustakaan Dan Informasi, 2(2), 84–89. https://ummaspul.e-journal.id/RMH/article/view/6383

Ariani, D. A. (2023). Humor Seksis Bukan Lelucon, Itu Bentuk Kekerasan Verbal. Bincang Perempuan. https://bincangperempuan.com/humor-seksis-bentuk-kekerasan-verbal-bukan-lelucon/

Björkert, S. T., Samelius, L., & Sanghera, G. S. (2016). Exploring Symbolic Violence in the Everyday: Misrecognition, Condescension, Consent and Complicity. Feminist Review, 112(1), 144–162. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1057/fr.2015.53

Bouckaert, Y., Vofrei, L., Jonczyk, N., Mertens, A., Soliman, M., Venz, L., & Loschelder, D. D. (2025). Is the joke on you? The impact of sexist humour and gender dynamics on interpersonal work outcomes. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 34(1), 144–159. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2024.2429850

Bourdieu, P. (1991). Language and Symbolic Power (G. Raymond & M. Adamson, Trans.). Polity Press.

Bourdieu, P., & Passeron, J. C. (1977). Reproduction in Education, Society and Culture (R. Nice, Tran.). SAGE Publications.

BPS. (2024). Tingkat Partisipasi Angkatan Kerja Menurut Jenis Kelamin. Badan Pusat Statistik. https://www.bps.go.id/assets/statistics-table/2/MjIwMCMy/tingkat-partisipasi-angkatan-kerja-menurut-jenis-kelamin.html_

Creswell, J. W. (2016). Research Design (4th ed.). Pustaka Pelajar.

Dynel, M. (2008). No Aggression, Only Teasing: The Pragmatics of Teasing and Banter. Lodz Papers in Pragmatics, 4(2), 241–261. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10016-008-0001-7

Furidha, B. W. (2023). Comprehension of the Descriptive Qualitative Research Method: A Critical Assessment of the Literature. ACITYA WISESA: Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.56943/jmr.v2i4.443

Gutiérrez, C. A., Cubero, A., Fumero, F., Montealegre, D., Sandoval, P., & Castro, V. S. (2022). I’m Just Joking! Perceptions of Sexist Humour and Sexist Beliefs in a Latin American Context. International Journal of Psychology, 58(2), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12884

Hermawan, F. F., Waskita, D., & Sulistyaningtyas, T. (2017). Bahasa, Tubuh, dan Paradigma Patriarki dalam Humor Kontemporer Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 17(1), 29–40. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.17509/bs_jpbsp.v17i1.6955

Hommelhoff, S., Richter, D., & Scheibe, S. (2023). Sexual Jokes and Conversations at The Workplace and Their Relation to Employee Well- Being: Results from a Longitudinal Study. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 97, 767–775.

Humonen, K., & Whittle, A. (2023). ‘Just Relax and Ram It In’: Dimensions of Power in Workplace Sexual Humour. Organization, 32(3), 345–376. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/13505084231201277

Indonesia Watch. (2024). 40% Pekerja Formal Indonesia Jadi Korban Pelecehan Seksual. Indonesiawatch.Id. https://indonesiawatch.id/40-pekerja-formal-indonesia-jadi-korban-pelecehan-seksual/

Irdianti, Zhalsabilla, A., Salinding, N., & Adnan, R. A. (2024). Hubungan antara Budaya Patriarki dengan Sikap Kesetaraan Gender pada Mahasiswi Universitas Negeri Makassar. HUMAN: South Asean Journal of Social Studies, 4(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26858/human.v4i1.63124

Jenkins, R. (2002). Pierre Bourdieu (Revised). Routledge.

Kim, H., Sefcik, J. S., & Bradway, C. (2016). Characteristics of Qualitative Descriptive Studies: A Systematic Review. Res Nurs Health, 40(1), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.21768

Kinady, S. U., & Linando, J. A. (2025). Women’s Experiences with Sensitive Jokes in the Workplace. Indonesian Journal of Economic & Management Sciences (IJEMS), 3(2), 169–184. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55927/ijems.v3i2.53

Komnas Perempuan. (2025). Ringkasan Eksekutif “Menata Data, Menajamkan Arah: Refleksi Pendokumentasian dan Tren Kasus Kekerasan Terhadap Perempuan 2024” Catatan Tahunan Kekerasan Terhadap Perempuan Tahun 2024.

Martin, D. M., Ferguson, S., Hoek, J., & Hinder, C. (2021). Gender Violence: Marketplace Violence and Symbolic Violence in Social Movements. Journal of Marketing Management, 37(1–2), 68–83. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2020.1854330

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Mulyasih, R., Sihabudin, A., & Faiz, F. (2022). Self-Concept of Migrant Women in the Shackles of the Role and Position of Patriarchic Culture in Pontang Community. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 5(9), 192–203. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v5i9.485

Ningtyas, E. (2015). Pierre Bourdieu, Language and Symbolic Power. Jurnal Poetika, 3(2), 154–157. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22146/poetika.v3i2.10437

Pebriaisyah, F., Wilodati, & Komariah, S. (2022). Kekerasan Seksual di Lembaga Pendidikan Keagamaan: Relasi Kuasa Kyai Terhadap Santri Perempuan di Pesantren. Sosietas: Jurnal Pendidikan Sosiologi, 12(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.17509/sosietas.v12i1.48063

Perwita, A. I., Kinasih, E. J., & Muhazir, A. (2024). Analisis Semiotika: Humor Seksis dalam Acara Komedi “Lapor Pak!” Aguna: Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, 5(1), 32–43. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.35671/aguna.v5i1.2859

Perwita, A. I., Nuryanti, & Setiansah, M. (2023). Interpretasi Khalayak terhadap Humor Sexist dalam Tayangan Komedi Lapor Pak! Trans 7. Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, 20(2), 185–206. https://doi.org/10.24002/jik.v20i2.5882

Rahmawati, L., Hasanah, W., Agustin, M., Putri, F. A., & Faruq. (2023). Stereotip Gender dan Kesejahteraan Perempuan. Ijougs: Indonesia Journal of Gender Studies, 4(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21154/ijougs.v4i2.6880

Reinoso, J. R., Vázquez, A. F., Aguirre, M. C., Prieto, M. E., Basso, L. S., & Gavilanez, M. E. (2024). Overview of Symbolic Violence: A Review of The Literature. RGSA – Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental, 18(6), 1–24. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n6-140

Rukman, A. A., Musawwir, & Aditya, A. M. (2023). Gambaran Kecenderungan Ambivalent Sexism pada Tenaga Kerja di Kota Makassar. Jurnal Psikologi Karakter, 3(2), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.56326/jpk.v3i2.2300

Rusdiarti, S. R. (2003). Bahasa, Pertarungan Simbolik, dan Kekuasaan. Jurnal Basis VII (11-12), 31–40.

Saraswati, N. K., Maheswari, N. P., & Dewi, N. K. (2026). Catcalling dan Humor Seksis sebagai Bentuk Kekerasan Simbolik Pada Perempuan di Ruang Publik. WATHAN: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Humaniora, 3(1), 216–230. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.71153/wathan.v3i1.476

Savito, R., & Gono, J. N. (2025). Menelusuri Humor Seksis dalam Konten YouTube: Kajian Kasus Dean KT. Interaksi Online, 13(3). https://ejournal3.undip.ac.id/index.php/interaksi-online/article/view/52476

Shifman, L., & Lemish, D. (2010). Between Feminism and Fun(ny)mism: Analyzing Gender in Popular Internet Humor. Information, Communication and Society, 13(6), 870–891. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13691180903490560

Sholikhati, N. I., Wijayanti, L. T., & Verrysaputro, E. A. (2022). Bahasa Seksis dan Sikap Seksisme dalam Bahasa Indonesia. Aliterasi: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa Dan Sastra, 2(2), 147–154. http://journal.umuslim.ac.id/index.php/alt/article/view/1147/974

Siddiqi, N., Bains, A., Mushtaq, A., & Aleem, S. (2018). Analysing Threads of Sexism in New Age Humour: A Content Analysis of Internet Memes. Indian Journal of Social Research, 59(3), 355–367. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327137322

Syahrizal, A. R. (2025). The Stigma of Widows in Jokes: An Analysis of Symbolic Violence. Jurnal Locus: Penelitian & Pengabdian, 4(6), 1–9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.58344/locus.v4i6.4058

Syiva, S. P., Lestari, R. A., Lil’alamin, E. B., & Putra, R. S. (2023). Pengaruh Disiplin Kerja, Motivasi Kerja, Etos Kerja, dan Lingkungan Kerja terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan (Literature Review). Worldview: Jurnal Ekonomi Bisnis Dan Sosial Sains, 2(1), 43–60. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.38156/worldview.v2i1.195