Abstract:
This paper presents a sociological analysis of gender relations within the household
under the influence of coastal tourism in Southern Sri Lanka. The study was carried
out in Narigama – Wellabada and Wewala, two Grama Niladhari divisions at
Hikkaduwa Divisional Secretariat division in the Galle district of Southern province.
In-depth interviews, case studies and participant observation were used to collect
qualitative information and quantitative data. The research problem investigated in
the study was whether the tourist industry has made an impact on existing gender
relations within the household in coastal Hikkaduwa area. Women received better
economic strength and power and are in a better bargaining position through tourism.
Industry has helped them to participate more positively in the decision making
process of the household. Even though women had received more economic strength,
men continued to receive household headship. Although women have devoted
their efforts for income earning, they do not receive proper recognition and social
status and are not appreciated properly due to established patriarchal attitudes. In
the household, both husband and wife cooperated well to increase the family income,
but when it came to distributing resources, the husband always had a better share.
Hence, the tourist industry affects men and women differently.
