Perceived changes in family relations life during covid-19 period: a qualitative study based on Thenmaradchi Divisional Secretariat in Jaffna District

Abstract

Sri Lanka has been seriously affected by COVID-19, which has threatened human lives and livelihoods across the globe. As a South Asian country, Sri Lanka tends to hold a higher position of sociability and the major role of family relations life in the social structure. The aim of the present study is to explore the perceived negative and positive changes in family relations at Thenmaradchi Divisional Secretariat in Jaffna district. The analysis is based on a qualitative study. The primary data was mainly collected through 10 case study methods and 1 key informant interview. This study utilized secondary data too, such as available literature and information received from websites. Research ethics were strictly followed by the researchers throughout the research. This study analyzes the perceived changes in family relations life on three areas during the COVID-19 period: some structural factors in determining perceived changes in family relations life during the COVID-19 period, perceived negative changes in family relationships inside and outside the home at the COVID-19 period and perceived positive changes in family relationships inside and outside the home at the COVID-19 period. The results reveal that Hinduism is the predominant religion of the majority of the respondents and they belong to the age 30 and over. The majority of the women have completed their secondary educational qualifications. Wage labour was the primary livelihood of families and the majority of the respondents live under poverty. Results highlight that family cycle; gender role and family size were main structural factors. Results also indicate that arguments, intolerance, feeling caged, missing personal spaces, changes in daily routine, standing one another less and colder and more distant were the significant perceived negative changes in family relations life. Further, this study reveals that, better communication, spending more time together, feeling more emotionally close, engaging in joint activities, flexibility in managing family life, and discovering new values could be identified as perceived positive changes in family relations. In conclusion, an effective coping mechanism should be used to mitigate negative situations and uplift positive family changes in stressful pandemic situations.