The consequences of irrational adult choices: Reinterpreting "Oedipus Rex" for modern child welfare in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Oedipus was a Greek mythological figure who was the son of King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes, Greece. He was left to perish by his own parents as soon as he was born because of a prophetic curse that declared one day he would kill his own father, marry his mother and bear children. Hence, the objective of this paper is to examine how irrational adult decisions and choices lead to negative consequences of the lives of children. Method: This research is based on a qualitative research methodology followed by a comparative method and a historic method. Result: In the Sri Lankan context, irrational adult choices have negatively impacted children due to the typical traditional nature of Sri Lankan culture. In parallel to the Sri Lankan context, Prince Pandukabhaya, son to Queen Chitra and Deega Gamini, was also subjected to a similar fate just like Oedipus. As soon as he was born, his mother exchanged him for a girl and gave him away as it was prophesied that later on he would kill his own uncles who were next in line for the throne. Hence, this analysis suggests that although in both of these accounts the adults intended to protect their child from a fate they believed was uncontrollable, it led to a much more tragic outcome. This underscores the idea that adults' decisions, no matter how well-intended, can have unintended and far-reaching consequences, especially when driven by irrational beliefs, fears or societal pressure. The research focuses on observance of the current undergoing of the world which makes awareness on the necessity of child protection despite the intricacies of adult decisions. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is essential that adults should be more responsible both morally and legally in the decision-making process in order to enhance child welfare within the community.