Gender Transformation and Female Migration: Sri Lankan Domestic Workers Negotiate Transnational Household Relations

Abstract

The study is based on analysing the changes wrought in gender relations, household management and power dynamics in the household as a consequence of female migration. Information is obtained through a number of returnee women migrants. The author concludes that transformation in gender identities and effects on household cannot be taken in isolation as several inter related factors come into play in this scenario. Households have to be taken in context of them being part of a larger system, and not in isolation. Kinship and community networks play an important role in household management and also transnational links with the migrant. These factors are discussed in detail.