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How do professionals and managers combine mothering with employment? Western theories in the Sri Lankan experience

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  • Thilakshi Kodagoda

Abstract

Women are increasing their labour market participation, while at the same time their identity and workload continue to be defined around caring work, especially for children. Although the Sri Lankan government is encouraging and recruiting more female workers to public sector employment, there is no 'women-friendly' gender state. A number of theories have been developed in Western contexts to explain this conflict between caring and employment and how mothers straddle the two. It would be pertinent to examine how far these theories are applicable to Sri Lanka. This paper demonstrates that working women's mothering is responsible for the formation of gendered identity, which varies with the availability of different sociocultural and religious opportunities and constraints. The conclusion is that these working mothers have a low capacity to achieve a work–life balance and such combinations may lead to complex social problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Thilakshi Kodagoda, 2010. "How do professionals and managers combine mothering with employment? Western theories in the Sri Lankan experience," International Journal of Management Practice, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 4(2), pages 169-181.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijmpra:v:4:y:2010:i:2:p:169-181
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