Investigating the intention of engaging in tea estate work among younger generations of the estate community in the Passara area: An application of social identity theory

Abstract

Tea production is central to Sri Lanka’s economy and the livelihood of plantation communities. However, younger generations in estate communities, particularly in the Passara area, increasingly reject tea estate work, perceiving it as low status, poorly rewarded, and incompatible with modern aspirations. This trend raises critical concerns for the sustainability of the tea industry. The present study addresses the research problem of declining youth participation in estate labour and investigates the factors shaping career intentions. Guided by Social Identity Theory and the concept of social stratification, the study explores three main questions. They are: What is the current level of intention among estate youth to engage in tea estate work? How do identity-related factors such as collective self-esteem and group reputation influence these intentions? What challenges and deterrents are perceived by youth regarding estate employment? We employed a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 101 youths aged between 18–30 years using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Collective Self-Esteem Scale (CSES). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression after testing model assumptions. Qualitative results were generated through 12 semi-structured interviews, which were coded thematically to generate emerging patterns. The sample was dominated by males (68.3%), married (56.4%), and low-income level respondents (58.4% with LKR 25,000–50,000 monthly income). Public and private collective self-esteem positively and significantly increase the likelihood of estate employment, while high membership esteem negatively affects it (p < 0.05). Only 26.7% of the respondents indicated willingness to continue in estate employment. Commonly cited deterrents included low wages, unfavourable working conditions, limited upward mobility, and persistent social stigma. While there was some community pride, it was overshadowed by aspirations for urban employment and facilitating identity change. The findings highlight that the issue is not just economic but also identity and dignity-related. The study concludes that policy intervention must transcend pay increases to include improved conditions of work, schemes for youth development, improved education and careers, and public attitude change towards estate labour. The findings provide insights into intergenerational disengagement with traditional occupations and guidelines for inclusive rural development and labour sustainability in Sri Lanka’s plantation economy.