Social Transformation And Gender: A Socio-cultural Study On Women In Traditional And Modern Sri Lankan Society With Special Reference To Folklore And Literature

The gender study in the academic arena is not a new concept but continues feminists'great effort for equality. In nutshells, the gender disparity is caused by Socialization process, internalizing social norms, values, and expectations, which are consistent with their gender. Therefore study argues that gender disparity is a cultural product.The purpose of this study is to understand the nature and scope of gender inequality in ancient and modern Sri Lankan Society and to distinguish the urban and rural practices.The study has the dual purpose, firstly is based on Myths, Legends in folklore and literature explored history by using historical reconstructed theory and structural folklore theory. Secondly 150 In-depth structured interviews, case studies, and observation employed for empirical study with gender theories.The study found that fundamental causes in gender practices in SL such as women have reduced status to their own destiny because it is included in traditional customs and religious beliefs, family as one of the main sources of female oppression in society, men exploit women by relying on the free domestic work in both rural and urban sectors and family work completely treated by men and many women as "female work", establishes young girl's perception of herself as inferior to males is the socialization process that begins within the family circle, discrimination against in terms of wages and salaries in urban and rural settings.Inequality gaps still remain in technical vocational education, the incidence of rape,sexual abuse and harassment and domestic violence remains high. In the post-war environment, the homicide rate has declined up to 3.47 while rape crime increased up to 9.18. This was an increment of 2.33 per 100,000 populations. In fact, it is proved that rape crime has become a social problem due to the vulnerability of women.In conclusion, the study suggests the necessity to increase the direct involvement and direct representation of women in planning, policy making and in top-level decision-making bodies. Once the need for development to be more equitable and people-oriented is recognized as a vital concern, then policy makers will be ready to acknowledge the importance of women's role in the development and good governance and to take the necessary steps towards their empowerment.