International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Youth out migration from rural areas has emerged as a critical challenge to the sustainability of rural communities, particularly in developing contexts. This study examines the consequences of socio development of rural youth migration through the theoretical lens of Pierre Bourdieu’s social reproduction theory, emphasizing the roles of capital (economic, cultural, social, and symbolic), habits, and field. Focusing on the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, the research adopts a qualitative methodology using purposive sampling, structured interviews, and thematic analysis of both primary and secondary data. The findings reveal that youth migration is not merely a demographic shift but a complex process of capital extraction that significantly weakens rural systems. The outflow of young populations leads to the depletion of economic capital through agricultural decline, erosion of cultural capital via disruption of traditional knowledge transmission, and breakdown of social capital through weakened community networks and institutions. Additionally, the diminishing symbolic value of rural life further accelerates migration trends. These transformations collectively contribute to rural depopulation, aging populations, social instability, and the collapse of community sustainability. The study argues that current development paradigms, often biased toward urban growth, inadvertently reinforce these dynamics. It highlights the need for integrated, rural centered policy interventions that valorize local capital, empower youth participation, strengthen community institutions, and promote sustainable economic alternatives. ultimately, the paper concludes that ensuring rural sustainability requires a fundamental reorientation of development strategies to preserve and regenerate the social fabric of rural communities while addressing the aspirations of youth.

Yalindu K. Jayaweera, Aruni K. Thennakoon, "Youth Migration and its Socio-Development Consequences for Rural Community Sustainability: An Overview from Pierre Bourdieu’s Social Reproduction Theory" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(4): Page(309-318) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.