Gender, culture, and power: a cultural theory perspective on green economic policy

Gender equity is central to advancing sustainable green economies, particularly where cultural and institutional norms shape environmental governance. This study examines women's participation in Aceh's green economy by integrating Mary Douglas's Cultural Theory and feminist political ecology. Using a purposive qualitative approach, the study draws on seven semi-structured interviews across five districts, complemented by document analysis and participant observation, with thematic analysis conducted using NVivo. The findings indicate that hierarchical governance and power arrangements, particularly in land tenure and cooperative systems, limit women's strategic participation and reinforce forms of symbolic inclusion. Despite these constraints, women exercise agency through informal networks, including rotating savings groups, Islamic study circles, and digitally mediated initiatives that support local environmental engagement. The study develops gender-sensitive analytical dimensions that specify key domains of participation, voice, and influence, providing a qualitative foundation for the development of context-sensitive sustainability indicators. These findings highlight the need for culturally grounded governance approaches that address gendered power relations and recognize informal women's networks alongside formal institutional mechanisms in green economic policy.