Abstract:
The study captures the impact of structured relationships within the family on sexual identity
development of youth. Research problem stems from the quarry whether the semi-urban and rural
families exposed to the social dynamics of globalization, differ in their role constructing the sexual
identities of youth. Parent-youth communication, social class and style of parenting, family role in the
resolution of sexual identity crisis, and inter sibling relations are considered pertaining to the sexual
identity development. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. Multi staged simple random sampling technique is employed representing semi-urban and rural youth (n=225) in the
postal survey. Informal interviews and ten in-depth case studies of youth with unresolved sexual identities were carried out. The study substantiates that although, semi-urban and rural families do not
drastically contrast with each other, and they constitute two different contexts of sexual identity development. Although, social class is not correlated, gender role socialization, style of parenting cause
the semi-urban and rural difference pertaining to family role in sexual identity development. Qualitative analysis revealed the precursors of negative sexual identity development within the family. Sri
Lankan families leave little margin and are emotionally less supportive in case of negative sexual identities.
