Abstract:
The traditional Sri Lankan woman had been one who did not go beyond the horizon of the
house in the extended family structure. However, with the implementation of the open
economic system back in 1977, these women were blessed with the opportunity of stepping
into society and work through certain multiple job sectors. One such opportunity they acquired
was going abroad to work as housemaids. With the cumulative trend of this by today, there
have been much debauched influences as well as commendable results. The mother is
considered as the centre figure who plays a major role in the family. Family is the most
influential social institution which provides primary socialization to the children. Socialization
is the process of acquiring parental accepted norms, which can beneficially help children attain
a peace of mind. Since Sri Lanka is a country which highly appreciates the culture and the
tradition, it has been the mother who’s responsible in facilitating this basic task of
‘socialization’. This research was conducted on the basis of the problem, “How does mothers’
migrating abroad effect on their child’s socialization?” This main purpose of this study was to
elaborate above matter under a sociological view point. Both quantitative and qualitative
methods used for the study. Moreover, in relation to the approach of the research, the Survey
Method and the Case Study Method were used. Furthermore, the collection of data was
performed through series of questionnaires and interviews, selecting a section of hundred
families representing all the sixteen divisional secretariats in the Puttalam district. Data
analysis was revealed according the basic research methodologies so as to be based on the
conclusions. The hypothesis that mother’s flying abroad impacts on the child’s socialization
became factual in the research. Accordingly, it was proved itself to influence on the child both
confidently and deleteriously. This research made it evident and possible to come into
conclusion that mothers migrating abroad have impacts on children in both in terms of positive
and negative aspects.
