WOMEN IN THE PATRIARCHAL WELFARE STATE

Journal Title: Social Affairs - Year 2015, Vol 1, Issue 3

Abstract

This essay analyses the implications of the state performing a welfare function for an extended period of time in relation to the social contract between women citizens and the state. It argues that a prolonged status of ‘welfare provider’ ascribes certain patriarchal attributes to the state, which in turn reduces the position of the citizens, especially women, to a mere ‘benefciary’ level. With the use of two specifc policy documents relating to public health – Well Woman Clinic (WWC) programme launched in 1996, and the Population and Reproductive Health (PRH) policy designed in 1998 – it shows that in the absence of a rights based approach to public health, women have become mere benefciaries, as opposed to active citizens, of the prolonged welfare State of Sri Lanka. This relationship has deterred women citizens from exercising the right to demand their needs from the State.

Authors and Affiliations

Darshi Thoradeniya

Keywords

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