Sociological analysis of the gender relations

Tourism and gender relations, a sociological analysis by Saman Handaragama focuses on changing gender relations in a coastal community in Southern Sri Lanka. The coastal communities have undergone many changes due to the expansion of tourism with the acceleration of globalization.

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. 150 household units were selected to collect basic information. In-depth interviews, case studies and participant observation were used to collect qualitative information. 10 women were selected for case studies. In addition, in depth interviews were carried out with key informants in the Hikkaduwa area.

The research problem that was investigated in the study was weather the tourist industry in the context of globalization has made an impact on existing gender relations in a Southern coastal community of Sri Lanka. Firstly the economic changes that are brought about with the development of tourism in the area and secondly its impact on gender relations within households and community were analyzed.

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