‘Disrespectful men, disrespectable women’: Men’s perceptions on heterosexual relationships and premarital sex in a Sri Lankan Free Trade Zone - a qualitative interview study

Abstract

BackgroundGender norms have been challenged by unmarried rural women’s migration for employment to urban Sri Lankan Free Trade Zones (FTZ). Men are described as looking for sexual experiences among the women workers, who are then accused of engaging in premarital sex, something seen as taboo in this context. Increased sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) risks for women workers are reported. To improve SRHR it is important to understand the existing gender ideals that shape these behaviours. This qualitative study explores men’s perspectives on gender relations in an urban Sri Lankan FTZ, with a focus on heterosexual relationships and premarital sex. Further, possible implications for SRHR of women workers in FTZs are discussed.MethodsEighteen qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with men living or working in an urban Sri Lankan FTZ and were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsTwo conflicting constructions of masculinity; the ‘disrespectful womaniser’ and the ‘respectful partner’, were discerned. The ‘disrespectful womaniser’ was perceived to be predominant and was considered immoral while the ‘respectful partner’ was considered to be less prevalent, but was seen as morally upright. The migrant women workers’ moral values upon arrival to the FTZ were perceived to deteriorate with time spent in the FTZ. Heterosexual relationships and premarital sex were seen as common, however, ideals of female respectability and secrecy around premarital sex were perceived to jeopardize contraceptive use and thus counteract SRHR.ConclusionThe ‘disrespectful’ masculinity revealed in the FTZ is reflective of the patriarchal Sri Lankan society that enables men’s entitlement and sexual domination over women. Deterioration of men’s economic power and increase of women’s economic and social independence may also be important aspects contributing to men’s antagonistic attitudes towards women. The promotion of negative attitudes towards women is normalized through masculine peer pressure. This and ambivalence towards women’s premarital sex are undermining the SRHR and well-being of women, but also men, in the FTZ. Awareness and counteraction of destructive gender power relations are essential for the improvement of the SRHR of women and men in the FTZ and the surrounding society.

Making sense of sexual harassment: narratives of working women in Sri Lanka

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Helping or Heightening Vulnerability? Midwives as Arbiters of Risk for Women Experiencing Self-Directed Violence in Urban Sri Lanka

“…The concept of "shame-fear" (lajja-baya) is well recognized in Sri Lankan culture as a necessary and beneficial virtue into which all women should be socialized from a young age, encouraging obedience (Jordal et al, 2015). Transgressions such as premarital or extramarital sex, pregnancy outside marriage, disregard for parents' marriage preferences, and sex work are heavily stigmatized, subject to social ridicule, and call…”

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Respectability and rights. Sexual and reproductive health and rights of Sri Lankan women formerly involved in prostitution

“…Social changes in recent decades, including poverty, dramatic reductions in social welfare, growing urban slums and prolonged civil war, have increased the burden for women to become economically independent and still maintain the prime responsibility for household chores and childrearing (Jayaweera and Pal 1999;Ruwanpura 2006). Most available jobs for women continue to be poorly paid and require migration with the risk of social stigma (Gamburd 2000;Hewamanne 2007;Jordal et al 2014Jordal et al , 2015, thereby leaving women with few available and realistic job opportunities.…”