| Author | Shrestha, Mona |
| Call Number | AIT SSPR no. HS-93-01 |
| Subject(s) | Sex role--Thailand
|
| Note | A special study submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Special studies project report ; no. HS-93-01 |
| Abstract | The overview of gender relations in Thailand covers its complexity from the
past to the present. It is largely based on secondary data, supplemented by a small
survey conducted among Thai students, staff and faculty members of the Asian
Institute of Technology to get a general idea about Thai people in regard of gender
issues as a supplement to add some contemporary evidence. The review and
discussion of secondary information highlight how the Thai have incorporated and
blended elements of different cultures since their early settlement in contemporary
Thai land into what has become the distinct Thai culture, into which Buddhism has
penetrated deepest. In the distant past women had performed the main role serving
the animistic household spirit, hence, it is likely that they enjoyed a high status.
In the course of history, the influence of different religions and ideologies have
given rise to patriarchy.
Recorded evidence of the Sukothai period suggests that women enjoyed high
status, although the inscriptions of the Sukothai and Ayuthaya eras show that
women did not enjoy the same degree of liberty and authority granted to men. In
the Ratnakosin period the sangha administration act may have led to some gender
differentiation in society. The recent rapid industrialization has eroded women's
power within the household. Although the U.N. declaration of the International
Women's Decade has sharpened the focus on women's problems in national
development plans, women's specific needs remain y et to be considered in detail. The
documented interpretations of different models show that hierarchy plays an
important role in Thai culture and social system. One of the major reasons for
women's active participation in the economy is the very existence of a hierarchy.
The major finding of the primary data analysis is that the belief in traditional and
religious values is strong, irrespective of a modern outlook on certain aspects
regarding equal rights for both genders. Women are expected to play a perplexing
'traditional modern role'. |
| Year | 1993 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Special studies project report ; no. HS-93-01 |
| Type | Special Study Project Report (SSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Weber, Karl E. ; |
| Degree | Special Studies Project Report (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1993 |