Exploring Gender-Based Consumption Priorities and Their Influence on Household Poverty Dynamics in Indonesia

Abstract

The dynamics of household poverty in Indonesia are influenced by consumption patterns that often differ between men and women, especially in the socio-economic context of regions such as East Aceh which still face inequality in the role of household resource management. This study aims to explore how gender-based consumption priorities affect household economic vulnerability and resilience, as well as analyze the relationship between spending decisions, basic needs allocation, and poverty risk. Using a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory design, this study collected survey data from 60 household respondents as well as in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, including heads of households, housewives, and community leaders, which were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and thematic analysis. The results showed that households that prioritized consumption more on health, education, and children's needs, which were generally influenced by women's preferences, had a lower level of poverty vulnerability than households whose consumption was dominated by non-essential needs, lifestyle, or personal expenses that were more determined by men. These findings confirm that strengthening the role of women in household economic decision-making contributes significantly to welfare stability and poverty risk reduction. This research makes an important contribution to the development of gender theory and household economics, while offering practical implications for the design of more gender-responsive poverty alleviation policies.