PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This study aims to analyse the forms, factors, and impacts of symbolic violence in families during presidential elections. This study used a phenomenological involving five adults aged 19 to 40 years as subjects of the research. Subjects were selected based on inclusive criteria, including having voting rights and having experienced symbolic violence during the presidential election. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The study found that symbolic violence in families during elections manifests in various subtle but effective forms of parental domination, such as moral bullying, sharp criticism, and the use of religious and family status narratives to impose political views. Parents often use religious values to legitimise their pressure on children, compelling them to conform. Homogeneous social environments, political organisations, and conservative backgrounds reinforce this authoritarian attitude. The impact on children includes internal pressure to hide differing political views and a fear of family conflict, leading to a sense of constraint and lack of freedom. This pressure also weakens trust in parental authority and creates emotional distance, resulting in unhealthy family relationships. These findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and social organizations by informing the design of interventions that support individual political freedom and promote healthier family relationships grounded in mutual respect and open communication.