Opportunities and Constraints when Balancing Work and Family Roles in Institutional and Non-Institutional Contexts in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper offers insight into Sri Lanka’s institutional (state and organizational level) and non-institutional (socio-cultural) context in terms of available opportunities and constraints for achieving balance in work and non-work roles. The paper identifies that state policies, laws, and organizational work-family initiatives/practices sometimes act against their main objective of mitigating the difficulties of employees. These policies seek to advance the quality of employee’s quality of life, and that of their families – especially women and children. These projected benefits can be hindered by the island’s social and cultural setting. Further, it provides some implications for policymakers as well as corresponding authorities to mitigate the above-identified constraints.