Vol. 4, Issue 11, Part B (2018)

Abstract
Over the years 'rural life' has been defined, redefined and eventually fallen out of fashion as a sociological concept - in contrast to urban studies, which has flourished. This much-needed reappraisal calls for its reinterpretation in light of the profound changes affecting the countryside. In this context, this study, endeavored a sociological analysis of the living styles of countryside populaces in the modern social milieu. The facts revealed that the peasantry communities who had harnessed traditional livelihoods as their economy while ensuing humble life style has converted into rural village communities due to the complexity that caused on the rural living pattern. In this perspective, the study problem of this research is the cause of factors affected to change the living pattern of the rural peasantry communities in the modern-day society. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to delve into the living fashions of rural communities of contemporary society. This study was focused on Diggalpura Grama Niladhari division in Madirigiriya Divisional Secretarial division in the Polonnaruwa district in line with a random sampling method having selected 153 informants for the sample. Information collected through a questionnaire with added investigations via focused group discussions (FGDs), and observations, attended in qualitatively and quantitatively through field visits as well. While farming becomes the key livelihood as yet, there are additional living means as well such as; coolly work, masonry and carpentry work, garment related jobs, businesses, driving, overseas jobs, mechanical, teaching, pensioners, security services, health services, means of self-employment and several other Govt, jobs. When the family sizes are concerned 92% of family units were with less than six members in each unit. Also it is visible in current context that the extensive family system that was one of a predominating factors in the past has now changed into nuclear family system in the modern villages. In consideration of the communication methods that being practiced in current era, 33% of them acclimatized with Televisions while 28% adapt Radios and 4% manage through computers while there are 28% depend on mobile telephones. In the meantime there are 3% of them using laptop. This transformation elaborates that the living fashions of modern-day rural communities have subjected for a gradual change in comparison situation in the past.