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The Moral Mother Syndrome

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  • Malathi De Alwis

    (New School University, New York, USA)

Abstract

This paper briefly explores a crucial component of Sinhala nationalism that is articu lated through the reiteration of a moral and maternalised historical role model, namely, the legendary queen Vihara Maha Devi, within particular cultural and political spaces in Sri Lanka. Describing this phenomenon as the 'Moral Mother Syndrome', the author extends its original delineation by Micaela di Leonardo—as providing the framework for an ideology that primarily 'speaks for peace'—to one that speaks for peace through a call to violence that is nevertheless formulated as being moral and just due to it being prentised upon an argument about the vulner ability and victimisation of the majority community, the Sinhalese.

Suggested Citation

  • Malathi De Alwis, 2004. "The Moral Mother Syndrome," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 11(1), pages 65-73, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:11:y:2004:i:1:p:65-73
    DOI: 10.1177/097152150401100105
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