European Scientific Journal, ESJ

Perceptions of the Declining Fertility Rate and Evolving Views on Motherhood: A Comparative Study among University Students in India and Sri Lanka

Keshani Munasinghaghe — 2025-08-21

This study explores perceptions of declining fertility rates and evolving views on motherhood among female undergraduates in Sri Lanka and India, with attention to disciplinary and cultural variations. A mixed-methods approach was employed; the research combined a survey of 300 students from the University of Colombo and 234 students from the VET Institute of Arts and Science in Tamil Nadu with qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions. The findings indicate that students in both countries express moderate to high concern about fertility decline, with Indian students expressing slightly higher concern overall. In Sri Lanka, concern levels varied significantly by academic discipline, with Arts students showing greater awareness than their Science counterparts. Across both countries, delayed motherhood was primarily associated with higher education, career priorities, financial insecurity, and shifting societal norms. Nevertheless, cultural expectations continued to influence preferred childbearing ages of 25–30 years and the ideal family size of two children. These findings suggest a gradual shift towards more individualistic and diverse reproductive attitudes, while traditional values remain deeply embedded. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how generational perspectives on fertility and motherhood are shaped by the intersection of personal aspirations, academic environment, and socio-cultural context in both countries.

Impact of Family and Cultural Upbringing on Young Women’s Perception of Motherhood: A Comparative Study among Sri Lankan and Indian Female College Students

L. Kosala — 2025-08-21

Fertility rates in South Asia have declined significantly over the past four decades, with Sri Lanka and India leading this demographic transition. This study examines the impact of the socialization process experienced by young, unmarried female undergraduates in both Sri Lanka and India on their perceptions of motherhood and the declining fertility rate in contemporary times. Utilizing a mixed-method and pseudo-longitudinal design, the research compares students from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka and the VET Institute of Arts and Science in Tamil Nadu, India. The results indicate that while traditional ideals around motherhood remain deeply rooted, young women in both countries are actively renegotiating these roles through educational pursuits, career aspirations, and broader exposure to global norms in varying degrees. Cultural expectations and family pressures all contribute to shaping their evolving perspectives. While Indian students exhibit greater confidence in balancing motherhood and career, Sri Lankan students encounter stronger patriarchal norms and more limited institutional support. Statistical data from over 500 participants reinforce these findings, with distinct patterns emerging across academic disciplines, years of study, and socio-economic backgrounds. This study contributes to understanding the demographic shifts in Sri Lanka and India while providing policy-relevant insights into gender, education, and reproductive decision-making.

Motherhood, Career Aspirations, and Life Goals: Exploring Young Women’s Attitudes as a Factor in the Declining Fertility Rate in Sri Lanka

Varuni Michelle — 2025-08-21

The fertility rate in Sri Lanka has gradually declined over the last few decades. This study aims to explore how young Sri Lankan female undergraduates perceive motherhood in relation to their career aspirations and life goals. The study employed a mixed-method approach, following through a two-step process involving a survey and follow-up interviews, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The sample included 300 female students from three faculties - Arts, Management, and Science, both first-year and final-year - at the University of Colombo. The study adopted a pseudo-longitudinal design, comparing differences in perceptions and attitudes toward motherhood between students. Findings indicate that the importance placed on motherhood varies by academic discipline, with arts and management students generally prioritising it more than science students. The study also revealed a shift in attitudes from first-year to final-year students, as exposure to academic life and career aspirations influenced the timing and conditions of motherhood. Career goals, financial stability, and lifestyle considerations emerged as key factors shaping decisions about motherhood, while balancing career and family remains a source of concern for many students. The findings highlight the interplay between societal expectations, personal values, and professional ambitions in shaping young women’s reproductive choices in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, undergraduates’ perceptions of motherhood are shaped by academic discipline and socio-economic factors, often leading to delayed motherhood due to anticipated role conflicts and financial considerations. Creating supportive policies, flexible work environments, and community-level interventions is essential to empower young women to balance career and family while making informed reproductive choices.