View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by RMIT Research Repository The Social Imaginary in Thai Society: Globalization, Cultural Dimensions and Education Ponsan Rojanapanich B.A., M.A.A A thesis submitted in total fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Education College of Design and Social Context RMIT University June, 2010 DECLARATION I certify that except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the author alone; the work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for any other academic award; the content of the thesis is the results of work which has been carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program; and, any editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party is acknowledged Ponsan Rojanapanich 30th June 2010 2 DEDICATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It has been almost five years now since I began my doctoral study and whenever I look back I always tell myself that without the very kind support from various people around me, I would not have been able to make my dream of this educational journey come true. I therefore would like to acknowledge their kind support, assistance, cooperation, and encouragement. This thesis represents a most important experience in my life. The whole thesis is not only one of academic learning, but has also been rich in life experience and provided good memories of many people I have met whilst doing this project. I would like to acknowledge my senior supervisor, Associate Professor Geoff Shacklock whose support and understanding of my behavior, my English language has encouraged me to complete this program. My second supervisor and friend Dr Nattavud Pimpa helped me and guided me with his kind understanding. His knowledge and experience of Thai society was helpful to my thesis. Special thanks to my father Mr Worsit Rojanapanich, who inspired me to study abroad and also supported me financially during my time in Australia. Special thanks to my mother who always took time to listen and take care of me by helping me get through the difficult times over recent years. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………...1 Declaration …………………………………………………………………………………2 Dedication& Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………..3 Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………...4 List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………….8 List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………9 List of Appendices………………………………………………………………………...10 List of Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………...11 Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………12 Chapter 1 Introduction .....................................................................................................13 1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................13 1.2 The Background to the Study....................................................................................16 1.3 Social Imaginary and Thai Society............................................................................20 1.4 Cultural Dimensions and Thai Culture......................................................................22 1.5 The Significance of the Study ...................................................................................25 1.6 The Purpose of the Study ..........................................................................................26 1.7 The Research Problem...............................................................................................27 1.7.1 Research Questions ............................................................................................27 1.8 A Conceptual Framework for the Research Project ..................................................28 1.9 Research Design ........................................................................................................29 1.10 The Structure of the Thesis......................................................................................30 1.11 Definitions of Terms................................................................................................31 1.12 Summary..................................................................................................................32 Chapter 2 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework...........................................33 2.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................33 2.2 Social Imaginary........................................................................................................34 2.2.1 Defining the Idea of Social Imaginary ...............................................................37 2.2.2 Social Creativity .................................................................................................39 2.2.3 Social Imaginary and Education.........................................................................40 2.3 Globalization .............................................................................................................42 2.3.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization ...............................................43 2.3.2 Four Forms of Globalization ..............................................................................44 2.3.2.1 Economic Globalization ..................................................................................45 2.3.2.2 Communication and Technology Globalization..............................................45 2.3.2.3 Cultural Globalization .....................................................................................46 2.3.2.4 Political Globalization .....................................................................................46 2.3.3 Globalization in Thai society..............................................................................47 2.4 Cultural Dimensions..................................................................................................48 2.4.1 Power Distance...................................................................................................50 2.4.2 Uncertainty Avoidance.......................................................................................52 2.4.3 Masculinity.........................................................................................................53 4 2.4.4 Individualism......................................................................................................54 2.4.5 Time Orientation ................................................................................................56 2.5 An Overview of the Social Demography in Thailand ...............................................58 2.5.1 Geography ..........................................................................................................58 2.5.2 Population, Languages and Religions ................................................................59 2.5.3 Government ........................................................................................................59 2.6 Political Crises in 2006-2010 ....................................................................................60 2.7 Thai Society and Culture ...........................................................................................63 2.7.1 Role of Family in Thailand.................................................................................66 2.7.2 Thai Social Hierarchy.........................................................................................67 2.7.3 Specific Behavioral Factors in Thai society.......................................................67 2.8 Social Development and Change in Globalization Era .............................................69 2.8.1 The Sufficiency Economy ..................................................................................73 2.9 The Thai Education System.......................................................................................74 2.9.1 Formal Education ...............................................................................................75 2.9.2 Non-Formal Education .......................................................................................77 2.9.3 Informal Education.............................................................................................77 2.10 Thai Education policy..............................................................................................77 2.11 The Importance of Local Knowledge or Indigenous Knowledge ...........................79 2.11.1Thai Indigenous Knowledge..............................................................................80 2.12 A Future for the Thai education System..................................................................81 2.13 Summary..................................................................................................................82 Chapter 3 Research Methodology....................................................................................84 3.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................84 3.2 Mixed Method Design: Quantitative and Qualitative inquiry...................................87 3.3 Triangulation .............................................................................................................91 3.4 Qualitative Methods ..................................................................................................92