Page 61 - Peoples_Journal_Sri_Lanka

51
ISSN 3121-3049
People's Journal Sri Lanka Volume 01, Issue 01

Voting Behavior of Women in Estate Communities during
Elections (Based on Hulandawa Estate, Akuressa)

1
H.K.M.A.D. Kumarasingha , N.M.P. Silva 2
dilhaniachini2@gmail.com
Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna.

Abstract

This research explores the voting behavior of women in the estate community and studies
the socio-political, cultural, and economic factors that influence their electoral decisions.
This research aims to understand the voting behavior of women in the estate communities.
The study was based on Hulandawa Estate in the Akuressa area. Purposive sampling was
used to conduct this study. The research follows a qualitative approach and uses in-depth
interviews, observations, and a focus group discussion to collect data from estate women
voters. The findings reveal that women‘s voting behavior is significantly shaped by
community norms, family influence, political patronage, and lack of access to impartial
political information. Also, their political participation is often limited to symbolic
participation, and they are often unaware of their right to vote or the wider implications of
their electoral choices. This study reveals the role of estate unions and local political figures
in shaping voter preferences. They often do so through promises of welfare and job security.
Despite these limitations, there are emerging signs of political consciousness among young
women, indicating a gradual shift towards more independent and informed voting patterns.
This research underscores the need for targeted civic education and empowerment programs
to foster meaningful political participation among estate women. This study contributes to
the broader discourse on gender, marginalization, and democratic participation in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Women‘s voting behavior, Estate communities, Political participation,
Community, Marginalization

Article History: Received: 20.05.2025 Accepted: 22.07.2025