Buddhist Ethics, Consumption Choices and Well-Being in a Sub-Urban Community in Northeastern Thailand Andrea Zipprich

7/27/2019 Buddhist Ethics, Consumption Choices and Well-Being in a Sub-Urban Community in Northeastern Thailand Andrea Zipprich

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S di ll B i ll


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S di ll B i ll

Spending Well, Being WellBuddhist ethics, consumption choices and well-being

in a sub-urban community

in Northeastern Thailand


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research could only be set up, conducted and distilled into a thesis through the

interaction with others. From this interaction I could draw different forms of support and

input. Therefore I would like to express my appreciation to different persons who have playeda role for the realization of this research. First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Edwin de Jong,

Dr. Luuk Knippenberg, Judith Westeneng and Dr. Detlev Haude for their assistance during

the preparation, conduction and writing phase of this research project. I also want to thank

Theo van der Weegen for his comments on the statistical analysis of the survey. In Thailand,

it was of great help to be supported by the faculty of Humanities and Social Science,

especially by the lecturers from the Social Development department Dr. Dusadee Ayuwat and

Dr. Buapun Promphakping.

Conducting a research in an unknown environment can only be successful if 'insiders'are of assistance. In my case, this assistance was vital for the success of the research out of

three reasons. First of all, I was barely acquainted with the cultural context of Thailand and

the Isan. Secondly, I was not able to communicate with people directly since I had no

command of the Thai language. Thirdly, the amount of the surveys that were to be taken

within only a couple of days was far more than I could have managed to do. Therefore, the

assistance of Thai students was crucial. I especially would like to thank Toey and Aim for

their facilitating role in the conduction of the surveys. I am also grateful to Oh, Tar, Teaw, Pei

and Jay Chou for executing the survey. Nui, Poh and BB, thank you for your patience and

intuition in making verbal and non-verbal communication with the interviewees possible.

Doing research in a community, hoping to get insight in different aspects of life there,

asks for the openness and cooperation of the leaders and members of this community.

Fortunately, we encountered a very generous and open community leader in Sri Than 4, as

well as helpful and interested inhabitants. My gratitude goes to all of those Sri Thanians who

have played a facilitating role for this research, especially those who were ready to take some

ti e t h e thei e e ie e d i i ith e


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CONTENTS

list of figures, tables and boxes

1. Introduction 1

2. Theory, research questions and analytical framework 3

2.1 Theoretical framework 3

2.1.1 Well-being 3

2.1.2 Consumption choices 4

2.1.3 Decision making and narrative 5

2.1.4 Religious beliefs and ethics 6

2.2 Research questions 72.3 Analytical framework 7

2.3.1 Concepts 7

2.3.2 Conceptual model 8

3. Methodology 9

3.1 Methods of data collection 9

3.1.1 Community profile 9

3.1.2 Survey 9

3.1.3 Case studies 10

3.2 The interviewees 11

4. Background: Thailand and the research location 12

4.1. Thai Buddhism 12

4.1.1 Multiple rebirth and karma 12

4 1 2 Th i B ddhi t ttit d t d t i l lth 13


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Appendix 1: English version of the general household survey

List of figures, table and boxesFigure 1: conceptual model 8

Table 1: Perceived importance of different items for well-being (1-10)

and the percentage of households owning these items 15

Table 2: % of households items actual and desired items of expenditure 17

Table 3: % of households in Sri Than owning certain assets 17

Graph 1: Regression line illustrating the correlation of age (x-axis)

and importance of luxury consumption (y-axis) 18

Box 1: satisfaction and debts 18


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INTRODUCTION

Theorists on wellbeing have been dealing with the economic dimension like children do with

their desired musical instrument. At first, totally being fixated on the economic aspects of

wellbeing they missed to look around and see the other domains of life. After a while,

however, they began realize that income and consumption could be complemented with other

dimensions to reach a fuller sound. The concept of multidimensional poverty arose and

gradually the economic dimension palled. Some even proved that income had barely any

impact on overall wellbeing - where the other dimensions drowning the sound of the

economic?

The starting point for this research on wellbeing in North Eastern Thailand is the idea

that the musical instrument of the now grown up child should not be thrown into the corner.

In that case theory would fall short of the reality of peoples lives where income andconsumption are often perceived as important contributors to wellbeing. This is for example

reflected in a statement of a 59 year old widow from Isan (northeastern Thailand), made

during a research on the quality of life in this area: A happy man is a wealthy man. We know

how happy a man is by counting his material goods such as car, money, gold, and jewelery.

(Jongudomkarn & Camfield, p. 20). Material aspects are what people refer to in the first place

when it comes to the assessment of their wellbeing. The reason for this tendency is quite

obvious: Material wealth is visible, tangible, easy to count and to compare. In opposition,

family relations are a bit more complicated to observe, not to speak of the psychological

dimension. That doesnt have to say that the economic dimension is most important for

somebodys wellbeing.

Thus, rather than discarding the economic, a different playing technique may make the

instrument sound differently and improve its contribution to the full sound of the orchestra of

dimensions of wellbeing. Even if income may have a relatively low significance on its own,

the way in which people come to spend their income may not. The fact that people are very

f th i i it ti k it th t ki l l k b hi d th Th


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individual get lost in the process of the analysis of the answers people give (White, 2009,

p.10). She further elaborates that approaches to wellbeing should be person-centered, in order

to do justice to the individual as a subject (ibid.). Therefore, in this research, quantitative

methods have been complemented by qualitative methods. At this, the former have mainly

provided a general overview while the latter have yielded the crucial information needed to

answer the research questions.

As these questions have arisen from a research in North-Eastern Thailand, this region

seemed to be the right place to be looking for the answers. So as to compare the motives with

the actual choices made, I choose for a research population where alternatives to make

choices about consumption pattern were relatively available and relevant. Therefore I

conducted the research in a community with average wealth level in urban Khon Kaen.

Assuming that most people are part of a household, within which incomes may be pooled and

most purchases made collectively, I payed attention to the individual as part of a householdwith the emphasis remaining on the individual.

The set up of this thesis will be as followed: In chapter 2, the theoretical framework

for this study will be sketched. In this, theories on well-being, consumption choices and

decision making will be discussed, as well as on ethics and ideals. The research questions

resulting from these considerations shall be presented, together with an analytical framework

that would make these questions operational for the research. In Chapter 3, I will go into the

research methodology that was applied in order to get the information needed to answer the

research questions. As a next step, chapter 4 shall present the context in which the research

has taken place. For this purpose, the national context of Thai Buddhism and societal structure

and the regional and local context of the research location will be introduced. In Chapter 5,

the results of the research shall be pinpointed, followed by a conclusion in Chapter 6. This

conclusion will summarize the main findings and discuss them in the light of the theoretical

framework. As a final comment, considerations about the research process and implications of

the research will be presented.


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2. THEORY, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Theoretical framework

2.1.1 Well-being

'Well-being is a state of being with others, where human needs are met, where one can act

meaningfully to pursue ones goals, and where one enjoys a satisfactory quality of life'

(WeD, 2007, p.1).

Well-being is one of the central issues in theoretical debates on development. The concept

emerged as the antipole of poverty, providing a more positive and concrete goal to debates on

poverty alleviation. Within the last two decades, various theories and definitions on well-

being have been published. For the purpose of giving an insight into thoughts on well-beingthat are of relevance for this research, I will refer to Amartya Sen, who has been a leading

figure in the theoretical discussions on well-being. I shall also illuminate the ideas of

McGregor and White, who write in line with the 'Well-Being in Developing Countries' (WeD)

framework. This framework is created by the ERSC research group of the University of Bath

and advocates a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of well-being.

The conception of well-being put forward by the WeD research group combines the

objective circumstances of a person and the subjective perception on their condition

(McGregor, 2006, p.3). It is not only the objectively measurable and tangible states of beingbut also the subjective evaluation of these circumstances that make up the well-being of a

person. In this, the WeD framework also points out to the 'cognitive aspect of subjective

wellbeing, interpreted as satisfaction with the achievement of personally important goals in

one's life' (WeD, 2007, p.2). In accordance with this statement, I will differentiate between the

importance people attach to certain conditions for well-being and the satisfaction with the

current state of implementation of these conditions. To make the notion of well-being more

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The social context not only plays a major role in creating, conveying and transforming these

meanings. The way a person is embedded in social relations also influences his or her

evaluation of objectives since they have to be brought in line with collective goals (Mc

Gregor, 2006, p.23). Besides, social factors do not only have an influence on the perception of

well-being, but are also determinants for the state of being. As White points out, harmonious

and close social relationships, as well as public and social respect contribute to the well-being

of a person (White, 2009, p. 4). It needs to be noted that the social dimension does not stand

on its own. It interacts with the material and human dimension and the three spheres jointly

constitute the well-being of a person (White, 2009). Warr, for example, suggests that the

contribution of economic factors to the happiness of a person get less important when a

basic level of income is reached while the importance of social factors increases from that

stage on (Warr, p.12). In the following paragraph, I will go into the material aspect by

discussing some theories on consumption.

2.1.2 Consumption choices

The second notion that has to be defined is consumption. By consumption I mean all actions

that require the spending of a part of the income and assets of a household. That can be the

purchase of material goods, but also of services and participation in certain activities, as well

as gifts to family members and friends or donations. Generally, a difference has to be made

between consumption that is aimed at fulfilling basic needs and consumption that goes

beyond that purpose. However, identifying criteria that separate basic needs from desires asks

for the specific context. Basic needs have to be covered to be able to sustain what is perceived

to be a decent livelihood which enables one to fulfill context specific requirements for human

dignity. In this research, I want to look at consumption as tool to come to what an individual

perceives to be well-being. Therefore, the definition of what is basic and what is not, is based

on the same concepts that have been illuminated above and depends on objective and

subjective factors.

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2.1.3 Decision making and narrative

Motives to act in certain ways develop within the space between ideals and the act itself.

Many, situationally varying factors come together and channel this decision making process.

A person and his or her household are embedded in structures like the cultural, social,

political, infrastructural and economic situation. Within these external structures, the

individual occupies a certain position that leads to certain attitudes and actions. Additionally,

individual characteristics like educational level, ethnicity, gender, religion, various forms of

capital at hand are influencing the decision making process.

As it is impossible to cover all these aspects within this research, I focused on the

decision making process as it is perceived by the individual. While getting an overview of the

circumstances of the household the individual is part of through the survey, the qualitative

part of the research was devoted to the motives of the individual informants to make certain

choices. A concept that lends itself for the analyses of this decision making process from theposition of the individual is the 'narrative'. It can be seen as the way an individual perceives

and represents his or her identity and the way this identity is reflected in the actions he or she

takes. Aim of the narrative is to integrate these actions and life choices into a coherent

biography (Atkins and Mackenzi, 2008).

We care about what we are. We are ceaselessly alert to the danger that there may be discrepancies

between what we wish to be (or what we wish to seem to be) and how we actually appear to others

and to ourselves (Frankfurt, 1988, p.163).

The various dimensions that contribute to well-being mentioned in the first section of this

chapter can be detected in the narrative theories as well. A narrative has social and moral

dimensions. It is formed within the socio-cultural context of a person and needs to be

understandable for others. At the same time it has to be logical to oneself as it forms ones

identity (Mackenzi, p. 15,16). This logic is not only based on the way the storyline develops

but also on the motives that lead to this development. The justification of ones actions

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2.1.4 Religious beliefs and ethics

In 2000, Ver Beek published an article in Development and Practice, in which he criticizes

the avoidance of the topic of spirituality in development theory and practice. In contrast to the

consensus among development theorists on the integration of factors like gender, indigenous

knowledge and social structure for the design of effective aid, religion and spirituality are

mostly left aside (Ver Beek, p. 31). Due to the centrality of religion and spirituality in peoples

lives, these aspects should be addressed more openly and included in the considerations made

about development strategies and programs. The concept of weltanschauung covers a wide

range of aspects contributing to the perspective from which somebody looks at, interprets and

judges 'reality'. The term covers religious beliefs and ethics, norms and values as well as

morality. Codes of conduct the translation of ideals into the social realm. According to the

Anthropologist Clifford Geertz, values and attitudes suggested within a religious context are

transferred into nonreligious contexts (1966). In this research, I take religious beliefs andethics as the most basic factors of a weltanschauung as religion widely informs norms and

values, morality and codes of conduct. Geertzs theory seems to be suitable for the Thai

context as Thai Buddhism is strongly interwoven with everyday life. According to Kirsch

Thai Buddhism plays a formative role for the individual weltanschauung, aspirations and

activities, as well as for the structure of Thai society as a whole (Kirsch in Skinner & Kirsch,

1975, p. 194).

the importance of religion lies in the capacity to serve, for an individual or for a group, assource of general, yet distinctive conceptions of the world, the self, and the relations between

them.From these cultural functions flow, in turn, its sociological and psychological ones

(Geertz, 1966, p.40).

Geertz suggests that religion is a cultural system which helps to make sense of our perceptions

by providing order and meaning (1958, p. 421, 422). Order can be attained from the world

view that is conveyed by religion while meaning can be derived from the norms and values,

th th th t i i t d th h li i (ibid ) Vi d f th t ti


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2.2 Research questions

Out of the theoretical considerations above, a general research question can be formulated:

How does the sub-urban middle class of north eastern Thailand join idealistic and

materialistic aspects of well-being in their consumption choices?

In order to give answer to that question, the following sub-questions need to be clarified in

reference to the sub-urban middle class of north-eastern Thailand:

1. Which concepts of Thai Buddhism are constitutive for the weltanschauungof...

2. What are the basic values of Thai Buddhist ethics for...

3. How are Thai Buddhist ethics reflected in the consumption choices of...

4. Which are the main factors that are perceived to contribute to well-being for...

5. How does the conception of well-being influence the consumption choices of...

6. How is a possible dissonance between religious ethics and consumption choices

handled by...

7. What is the effect of consumption choices on subjective well-being of...

...the sub-urban middle class of north-eastern Thailand?

2.3 Analytical framework and operationalization

To make the theory operational, important concepts will be shortly defined below. The

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Codes of conduct and attitudes that are informed by religious concepts.

Household

Entity of social organization: people, mostly connected through kinship ties, that are pooling

resources and sharing them. Mostly a household is settled in the same house or set of houses.

However, it is also possible that household members live some place else, for example

students or migrants.

Context

Social, cultural, economic, political, infrastructural, geographical circumstances.

2.3.2 Conceptual model

well-being

(importance)

B ddhi t thi

Consumption

choices

well-being

(satisfaction)

In line with?

In line with?

Decision making


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3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 Methods of data collection

To access the data necessary to give answer to the research question, various research

methods were used. For an overview of Sri Than 4, a community profile was made in the

beginning of the research. Also, a general household survey was conducted. To get more

detailed information in-depth interviews were held in the course of the case studies. In the

initial phase where general information was collected, it was of importance to tackle the three

main topics, namely consumption, ethics and well-being. While the community profile should

provide information at the community level, the survey was meant to get insight in data on the

household level, including a limited number of data at the individual level. In the second

phase, this general information has been used to identify the topics that had to be delved into

more closely and the informants that could provide the information necessary.

3.1.1 Community profile

Aim of the community profiles was to get background knowledge about life in Sri Than 4,

concerning the geographical, socio-cultural, demographic and infra-structural situation. By

getting insight in these dimensions a better understanding, analysis and interpretation of the

data from the surveys and in-depth interviews was to be reached. Due to the lack of existing

data sources on the community, the information was gathered through semi-structured

interviews with key informants and PA methods by a group of three dutch students, assisted

by two interpreters.

The sampling of the key informants was done in a quite informal, snowball like way.

After a first meeting with the community leader we asked her for experts on different topics.

She was able to name only few so we were left to ask people on the streets about neighbors

who were likely to know about certain issues. This approach worked surprisingly well, as the

scope of the community was rather small. Key informants were the community leader, some

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items3 from the series of questions on the perception of well-being. The luxury consumption

scale includes 'having a job/income', ''having a lot of money', 'owning a car', 'having a mobile

phone', 'having a personal computer', and 'fun shopping'. The religion scale comprises

'personal prayer/meditation', 'going to the temple', 'giving food and other donations to the

monks' and 'attending ceremonies'. Furthermore I constructed two new variables to identify

the respondents who had named luxury goods or religious spending as their main or desired

spendings.

3.1.3 Case studies

In the fourth week of the project, the questions that remained unanswered by the survey and

the community profiles were tackled. These questions were of a qualitative nature and

therefore they were approached through in-depth interviews. In these personal interviews, I

hoped to find out more about the different factors that contribute to the way people make andlook at their consumption choices. Aside from that, the level of satisfaction with these choices

was to be explored. Moreover, the subjective well-being of the informant and his or her

perception of the well-being of the household should be illuminated by the interviews as well

as the importance people give to Buddhism and the implication of the ethics that go along

with it.

Sampling the research population

I planned to sample the informants out of the household survey. I wanted to get in contactwith those respondents who showed relatively high scores on religion and consumption. I

choose for this selection criterion because I was interested in the way people match their

consumption choices with their ideals. Among respondents who both valued religion and

consumption I expected the greatest dissonance between values and consumption choices and

therefore hoped to get insight in the underlying motivations and goals.

For the sample, I selected the respondents who scored an eight or higher on the

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as direct communication with the interviewee was impossible. Besides that, the way I put my

questions had to be understood correctly by an interpreter lacking a social science

background. Again, the interpreters had to summarize the answers and make choices about the

English phrases. To smoothen the communication as well as possible, I briefed the

interpreters about my research questions and the goals of the interviews. Furthermore, I asked

them to translate as literally as possible and also draw my attention to non verbal

communication of the informants. Additionally I would ask the interpreter for a general

evaluation of the credibility of the answers given during an interview.

Analysis

The analysis of the information from the in-depth interviews was done in a iterative way. This

started with the daily evaluation and adjustment of the interview guide in order to get closer to

the information needed to answer the research questions. After the conduction of ten in-depthinterviews, interviews were compared and labels were given to the interview summaries. In

that way, gradually a model developed in which the central concepts were identified and

structured.

3.2 The interviewees

In this paragraph, the interviewees that were approached for the in-depth interviews are

shortly introduced. This is done to give an impression of the type of persons who provided a

vital part of the information presented in the results.

Nuk4 is a 45 year old man living in a relatively poorly appointed two-room wooden house

with his family. The interview was taken in front of the house on some mattresses, where the

family usually sleeps at night. His neighbor, Sawat, a 46 year old woman, lives in a brick and

wooden house together with her husband and her teenage daughter. The son has already

moved out She owns a restaurant at the main road where the interview took place. Another

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4. THE REASERACH LOCATION AND ITS NATIONAL CONTEXT

Before turning to the results of the research, a context has to be sketched within which the

research has been conducted. The background information that will be presented in this

chapter is essential to be able to make sense of the data gathered during the research. I willelaborate on Thai Buddhism, the concept of sufficiency economy, and various levels of Thai

societal structure. As Kirsch suggests, an investigation of Buddhist values and beliefs can

broaden our understanding of the general patterns in Thai society (in Skinner & Kirsch, 1957,

p. 177). This is why I will set out to delineate Theravada Buddhism first before turning to

Thai social order and interaction. In this I will concretize my descriptions by referring to the

context of the research location.

4.1. Thai BuddhismA differentiation must be made between the official Buddhist institutions and doctrines and

Thai popular religion as it is practiced in every day life. Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism,

Animism and other influences come together in Thai popular religious belief and practice.

Although in the literature it is generally referred to as syncretism, 95 percent of the Thai call

themselves Buddhist. I will recognize this denomination and from now on refer to this

religious and spiritual topics as Thai Buddhism.

4.1.1 Multiple rebirth and karma

Nirvana, the formal goal of Buddhism has often been characterized as otherworldly

Nirvana, [shortly defined as the escape from this world], is very abstract and distant and

difficult for anyone to aspire to, much less achieve (Kirsch in Skinner & Kirsch, 1975,

p.179). Therefore most Thai Buddhists strive for intermediate goals that are more likely to be

reached. The doctrines of karma and multiple rebirth stand in the center of these aspirations

(ibid., p. 180). The path towards deliverance from this world is characterized by cycle of

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is seen as responsible for his or her present life situation and the shape his or her life will take

in the future.

4.1.2 Thai Buddhist attitudes towards material wealth

Luxury consumption does not go along with the teachings of Buddhism. People just want more

and more and can not control themselves. They spend their money on luxury goods because

they want to have the same as people around them but are left with nothing in the end. If people

want better things for themselves it has to go in line with self-sufficiency because they shouldnot cause any harm to anyone (Master Monk of Jom Sri temple in Sri Than).

According to Buddhist notions, wisdom and compassion are the characteristics that should be

aspired (Warr, n.d). Thoughts about suffering as a result of greed, hatred and ignorance are

central to the Buddhist world view (Warr, n.d) The perception that happiness can be derivedfrom material wealth results in greed. However, in Buddhist notions, the aspirations of greater

wealth that stem from this perception lead to frustration, which in turn spark anger. Again, the

Buddhist notion of ignorance is a result of the misconception of the self as an isolated, inde-

pendent and inherent entity (Warr, n.d.) Warr explains, that these three poisons result in the

endless vicious circle of frustrated pursuit of happiness from material things (Warr, n.d.).

Kirsch even states that otherworldly focus of Buddhism generally discourages attempts at

economic achievement (in Skinner & Kirsch, 1975, p. 177).These central conception of the Buddhist doctrine stand in opposition to the actual

practice where Thai Buddhism recognizes the wish and need of people for a good financial

situation. In Sri Than 4, two very obvious believes concerned with this topic could be found.

Naang Kwak (literally: 'Lady Come') is described as a sort of goddess or angel that is believed

to bring economic success and wealth. Her statue can be seen in most of the shops and houses.

People pay respect to her, offer flowers and sweet drinks so that she will attract prosperity.

When asked, the informants would assure the positive effects of this practices. Business men

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at the beginning of an economically disastrous period for Thailand, King Bhumipol tried to

restore a mentality of sufficiency and constraint as a method to cope with the crises on an

individual, communal and national level. However, the king did not denunciate economic

growth in general. He rather argued that an excessive emphasis economic growth or material

wealth at the expense of other, more important matters, can lead to the Buddhist concept of

suffering. In this, the king also chooses the middle way by making Buddhist ideology match

with the everyday life of Thai citizens as well as the workings of the markets in which the

Thai economy is embedded.

In his major speech on Sufficiency Economy, king Bhumipol identifies five major

themes of the philosophy, namely moderation, resilience, self-reliance, inner dynamic

and knowledge. The concept of moderation can be defined by a call to sensible material

aspirations(Warr, 2007). In this line, the priority of individuals and policy makers has to be

the fulfillment of basic needs for the majority before higher levels of economic growth can beaspired. Resilience asks for the avoidance of excessive risk during these aspirations. The

concept of self-reliance postulates economic independence and can be translated to the

individual and the national level, as well. Inner dynamic points out to the importance to be

concerned about the protection of others, who are, according to the Buddhist world view,

linked with us. Finally, the knowledge term draws our attention to the importance of non-

material aspects of life, such as education, arts and spirituality.

4.3 Thai societal structureTwo essential elements that shape Thai society have already been mentioned: Buddhism and

Monarchy. 'Nation, Religion and King' are perceived to be the three pillars of Thai society as

suggested by King Vajiravudh in the beginning of the twentieth century (Cohen 1991, p. 11).

In this paragraph I will not further dwell on the Thai monarchy or the Thai nationality but on

the structure of Thai social order. Erik Cohen identifies a horizontal and a vertical dimension

of Thai social order (1991, p. 27-30 & 37-39). There is a strong social hierarchy that assigns

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of Sri Than has gradually become part of the expanding city of Khon Kaen. In the course of

Thai decentralization politics of the administrative entities, Khon Kaen had been divided into

two, later into four separate communities. Historically relying on subsistence farming, Sri

Than 4 is now a typical suburban community with approximately 700 inhabitants living in

150 households. Most adults are now employed in and around Khon Kaen which is also an

effect of the increasing educational level as various types of schools lie within reach. Next to

these formal income activities, many households have a sideline source of income in the form

of a small grocery store, a street restaurant, or a stall at the communal night market. The

change in economic activities has brought about increasing wealth among the households,

who mostly describe themselves as belonging to the middle class. In the chapter that follows,

some characteristics of the households in Sri Than 4 will be described, regarding well-being,

assets and consumption.

5. RESULTS: Well-being, consumption and Buddhist ethics in Sri Than 4

In the following chapter, the results from the survey and the in-depth interviews will be

presented. First I will go into the factors that have shown to be important for the well-being

among inhabitants in Sri Than 4. Secondly, the material assets and other purchases will be

described. In order to understand how inhabitants of Sri Than 4 come to their specific

consumption choices, important concepts of Thai Buddhist ethics will be illuminated in third

section. In the final section, consumption choices will be taken up, this time in the light ofBuddhist ethics and well-being.

5.1 Well-being and

consumption in Sri Than 4

In this section I will set out to

describe the main aspects of

ll b i h h

1 health of people close to you 9,55

2 having good relations with your family 9,53

3 h i hild d d hi h h l / i i 9 44

Perception well-being: importance on a range from 0-10 Owned

by %

of HH


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is attached to certain issues with respect to well-being. Table 1 shows an order of the

importance certain topics have for the well-being of inhabitants of Sri Than 4. The most

significant contributors to well-being are related to the immediate social environment, such as

good relations with the family, the health of people close to the respondents and the education

of the children.

Family relations

The in-depth interviews affirmed that family relations are highly valued. A happy, complete,

unite and peaceful family is important to the well-being of the informants. The reason for this

was the function of the family as emotional and financial backup. The family was also seen as

providing practical assistance in taking care of the children. Nang, the 24 year old student, is

still living with her parents. She reported that spending time with her family, talking to her

parents as often as possible, makes her happy and is a big contributor to her mental health. Atthe moment, she is supported by her parents but she is planning to get a good job after her

graduation. That way, she wants to support her parents financially and be able to take care of

them when they get old.

Health

When it comes to the topic of health, the high ranking from the survey was also confirmed in

the interviews. Apparently, the health of household and family members was a bigger

concern to individuals than their own health, which got a high score, nonetheless. Anexplanation for this is the financial burden that illness brings to a household, but also the

emotional stress that goes along with it. 39 percent of the households that were surveyed

reported a case of serious illness of one or more household members, whereby the emotional

impact was generally ranked higher than the financial one.

Education

I h ki f l di (T bl 3) d i i f h f l


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decent housing conditions revealed to be an important factor for well-being. For 25, 8 percent

of the population, this requirement is not met, as they report to be unsatisfied with their

housing conditions and for 33,3 percent, the first thing to invest in if they had more money,

would be housing (table 3). In addition to safety and housing, food was a basic need that has

unanimously been given a high importance for well-being by the interviewees. An

examination of table 3 shows that food is one of the most important purchases that is made by

households is Sri Than 4. 63,8 percent of the respondents report to spend most of their

households income on food, for another 22,7 percent, food reaches the second rank of actual

spending. Also in the ranking for desired expenditures, food is often mentioned. Generally,

the respondents rate their satisfaction with their diet with a 7,19 out of 10.

5.1.3 The material basis

In the previous section, it already became visible that financial stability is a concern thatemerges in almost every domain of life. It is not an aim on it's own, but rather connected to

the fulfillment of basic and additional needs. Seen in from this perspective, the high score of

the items of 'having a lot of money' and 'having a job' or a different source of income can be

directly linked to a third item that received a relatively high score, namely 'being able to take

care of the family' (table 1).

In the in-depth interviews, money and a job were thus among the first factors that

where named as basic requirements for well-being. Money was seen as the tool to realize

various aspirations and have a comfortable life. Be it a higher educational level for oneself orone's offspring, the chance to improve one's business, convenience in daily life, and even

respect from others. The informants agreed on the relation between happiness and money. The

ability to buy anything one needs without having to struggle for it was perceived as an

important element of happy life. As Nuk explains: 'Money enables me to lead a happy life and

have a happy family. When I have money, I can do anything without having to work hard.'

The ability to take care of the family, however, also carries a subjective dimension. A

j i f h i f d lf d f i b f h


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respondents attribute to it, there does not seem to be a direct link. More than 90 percent, for

instance, own a mobile phone and a motorcycle. However, these two items are among the

lowest valued for well-being.

In the ranking of actual and desired spending on different goods, luxury goods are

rarely among the four items, most of the income is spent on. Only 13,6 percent of the

inhabitants name luxury goods in this respect. For

27,3 percent of the respondents, luxury goods are

among the four items they would spend money on, if

they had a higher income. Buying luxury goods was

also seen as a leisure activity, especially among the

younger population. In the interviews, buying clothes

was related to well-being by three of the younger

female respondents. They stated that not only the actof shopping would bring relaxation, but also the effect

of new clothes, as they would make them look good

and make them be respected as a consequence. The

survey confirms that age has a significant influence on

the importance that is given to luxury consumption.

As the graphic on the left shows, 28,3 percent of the

variance in the importance given to luxury

consumption can be explained by age.In the survey, respondents where also asked to

indicate their wealth level in comparison to other community members. Half of the

respondents ranked their households wealth to be average. A significant correlation can be

noticed between the perception of relative wealth and the importance given to consumption.

The survey shows that a higher importance of consumption goes along with a higher total

yearly income. People who have more money at hand to spend on luxury have shown to

h hi h l i h i l i l l h i i

Graph 1:Regression line illustrating the

correlation of age (x-axis) and importanceof luxury consumption (y-axis)


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Everyone named future plans that should either help their lives to be more comfortable or

themselves to be more respected. A majority of the informants wanted to set up their own

business, mostly restaurants, grocery stores, or renting out apartments. Others, who already

had a business strived to improve the business. When asked about the reason for these goals,

they named more convenience in daily life and financial independence. Again, the ability to

help other family members was widely valued. Some informants also related a feeling of

proud and gladness with the improvement of their job or business.

5.1.6 Spiritual well-being and religious spending

Table 1 also contains four items that can be defied as religious activities. 'Giving food and

other donations to the monks', 'going to the temple', 'attending ceremonies' and 'personal

prayer/meditation' are positively correlating. Together, these activities are given 7,5 out of 10

with respect to their importance for well-being. This score is higher than that for the materialscale with an average of 7,1, but still lower than the average score of the items in table 1.

Also, consumptions related to religion were hardly among the four highest ranked

expenditures. 13,6 percent of the inhabitants of Sri Than 4 are spending money on religious

activities and goods. 28,8 percent would like to include religious spending into the four most

important expenditures, if they had more money. However, the relatively low incidence of

religious spending does not have to indicate a low level of religious activity since religious

practices do not necessarily require the use of money, especially not in high amounts.

A tendency that can be interpreted from the survey, concerns the relation betweenincome and religiosity. With a rising level of the household income the score of the religion

scale would decline. The higher the income, the lesser the significance given to the role of

religion for well-being. In the in-depth interviews, the decline in participation in religious

activities among the younger population was lamented several times. In opposition to these

opinions, no significant correlation between age and the perceived significance of religion for

well-being could be found in the data from the survey.


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5.2 Weltanschauung, Buddhist ethics and ideal behavior

Actions, decisions and reasoning can not be understood without referring to the cultural

context of a person. In that line, this section will focus on some important Buddhist notions

that influence the world view, ideals and behavioral norms of the inhabitants of Sri Than 4. In

the in-depth interviews, informants closely linked their behavior to the ideals they mentioned.

Thus, as a second aspect, the attitudes and behavior will simultaneously be described here.

5.2.1 The five Buddhist morals

Buddhism is generally seen as a guide to a happy, peaceful peaceful life and a better after

life. The informants believe that following Buddhist ethics will help them to be a good

person who is respected or even admired by others. They may even function as a good

example within the household and the community as a whole. A crucial element in the ethics

of the informants were the five Buddhist morals which were named by almost all informants.The morals were summed up as the commandments of not killing, not stealing, not drinking,

not lying, not committing adultery. At least once during the interviews, the morals where

directly mentioned while at several instances they were reflected in statements on ideal and

actual behavior. The commandment of not lying, for example, was reflected in terms like

honesty and sincerity and trustworthiness as characteristics of a good person.

The majority of the informants was quite confident about their ability to keep the

commandments with the exception of drinking alcohol. Alcohol was commonly referred to as

a big problem. But, on the other hand, people associated drinking alcohol with relaxation andand social contacts. Here most interviewees admitted that they enjoy drinking alcohol with

friends. This could also be observed while staying in the community. It was very common to

see people, especially men, sit together and drink the local white whiskey or beer. Nuk, a 45

year old man, stated that he tries to be a good example for his family and neighbors, keeping

the Buddhist commandments. However, he enjoys drinking and flirting with other women

occasionally. He explains this by a need to participate in social life and make friends. Nang,


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work as a buffer in times of bad health of one of the family members, investment in the own

business and education of the younger family members. Of course the interpretation of the

terms necessary and unnecessary can be shaped individually.

The informants emphasized the importance to omit harming others or extending ones

problems to others. Not causing trouble for others seems to be one of the most important

characteristics of a 'good' person. Burdening family members, friends or the community

through problems one is responsible for should be avoided. On household level, these

problems could be unemployment, illness, failure to complete one's education or inability to

sustain the family. Friends could be burdened by seeking their help with financial problems

while on community level crimes as theft or vandalism were given as an example.

5.1.3 Karma and merit

The notion of karma recurs in all interviews. Some informants name it directly, while othersexplain the concept without giving a name to it. Generally the informants believe that the

nature of their actions, to wit good or bad, will be reflected in the way their future is shaped.

Thoughts around karma encompass the previous life, this life, as well as the next life. Ones

present circumstances have mainly been predetermined by the sum of good and bad deeds in

the previous life. Through merit making, shortly summarized as doing good, the

interviewees believe to be able to improve their future destiny. While the focus lies on good

behavior, it is also crucial to avoid 'bad' behavior. This can also be seen as a reason why

informants are anxious not to affect others negatively by their own actions. Merit making isprimarily aimed at a good afterlife. However, most informants also emphasized the short term

impacts of it.

Two ways of making merit can be distinguished as merit making can either be

incorporated in everyday life or deliberately be acquired through religious practices. In case

of the latter, Thai Buddhism provides a range of options to increase ones merit. The

informants most frequently named practices as paying respect and bringing offerings to


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Besides, preventing others from doing bad things that could have a negative impact on

others and on their karma was named several times. Payun, the 60 year old nurse, also offered

her advice on health issues to community members. She made them aware of bad habits that

would detriment their health. In addition, she saw herself as a role model because she had a

harmonious family and considered herself to be a good wife and mother. Helping others on

a spiritual way was also common, as I have mentioned above. Praying for others and

transferring merit to others were said to be done on a daily basis.

Through merit making, whatever the type, the informants get the feeling of having an

influence on their destiny and the destiny of people they care about. It increases their hope for

a better future. Some informants even noted that the tangible effects of merit making are

subordinate to the comforting and encouraging feeling it entails. Moreover, the concept of

karma helps to accept inequalities and shocks. The higher socio-economic status of others can

be explained by their good previous life. As an informant stated: If people have good luckand a better position than us, it means that they have done so many good things in their

previous life. In that way, the concept of karma helps to be satisfied with the own life

situation while simultaneously giving a tool to reach for a better situation in the future.

6. CONCLUSIONIn this concluding chapter I will discuss the results that were presented in the previous chapter

in the light of the theoretical considerations from chapter two. In this, I hope to answer the sub

questions of this research, which lead to the answer of the main question, giving insight about

how the sub-urban middle class of north eastern Thailand join idealistic and materialistic

aspects of well-being in their consumption choices. First, I will summarize and interpret the

findings from the information gained in the local context, before discussing them in relation to

the theory.


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in this research, as informants often stated that merit making gave them a feeling of agency, a

tool to shape their future and that of the people they care about.

The question is, however, what is a better future? It was shown that a combination of

social and material aspects were desired but also the human preconditions such as health,

education, and safety. A higher socio-economic status would, in the Buddhist

weltanschauung, reflect a good character. Therefore, striving for a better job, a higher

income, an exemplary family life and more respect in the community may be connected with

the wish for an affirmation of being a good person, and being perceived as such by others.

This is conflicting with the principles of sufficiency that encourages to be satisfied and

discourage the desire to have more than what is needed.

In the Buddhist world view, the concern about ones well-being is thus not limited to

the present and the future in this life, but also in the next life. The older somebody gets, the

close the next life comes, and thus the perceived need to improve ones karma increases witha higher age. The survey revealed that the importance that is given to material luxury is more

present among the younger population. In the interviews, younger informants attributed

leisure, happiness and respect to the purchase of goods that were not seen as a basic need.

Older informants derived more well-being from the social status they had attained in the

community. Both achievements within the social and the material dimension are believed to

reflect ones karma. As age and achievements in family life are playing a big role for social

status, the younger generations may have to rely more on the material dimension to be

respected. Another reason for the role of age in the importance that is given to luxuryconsumption could be the fact that most of what is perceived to be luxury goods, are technical

products, such as mobile phones, motorcycles and cars, televisions and personal computers.

These products are more familiar with the younger generations, as they have grown up with

them.

What was conspicuous that consumption choices where overly named in relation to the

family or the household. This was the case with almost all basic aspects of well-being.


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certain concepts may also be shaped according to the own situation that makes the own

actions logical and contributes to a coherent self-narrative.

Secondly, the interviewees were quite confident about their ability to act according to

the Buddhist ethics. They saw themselves as good Buddhists, following the five Buddhist

morals and other behavioral norms, such as compassion, munificence, and generosity. The

motivations of for their consumption choices were brought in line with these ethics. Sri

Thanians are looking at their purchases as a necessity that would contribute not only to their

own well-being, but also to their families well-being. Via consumption, with money as the

basis, they could reach different valuable functionings, as it is called by Sen. It was obvious

that the value of these functionings was widely based on Buddhist ethics and the

weltanschauung that Buddhist concepts inform. It could be stated, that, as Atkins and

Mackenzie suggest, actions were justified through their motives and underlying values in

order to come to motivational integrity (Atkins&Mackenzie, p.170). In this, value was alsogiven to the way ones actions and consumption choices are judged in the wider social

context. Thus, the narrative about consumption choices had a social and a moral dimension,

as was also stated by Mackenzie (in Atkins& Mackenzie, 2008, p.15).

It may be useful to widen the concept of subjective wellbeing with the idea that

individual actors can adjust their own subjectivity of perception and thereby increase their

subjective well-being. The concept of narrative makes this idea palpable. This is also in line

with the WeD framework, within which meaningful action is acknowledged to be a part of

well-being. Making sense of ones actions contributes to the subjective well-being of aperson. In this, not only the individual perception but also the social environment plays a role.

The more a person is able to smoothly integrate into the socio-cultural environment, the

higher the satisfaction with her life. Idealistic and material aspects of well-being are joined by

an iterative process of continuously balancing consumption choices and motives in relation to

their social and cultural context.


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REFERENCES

Atkins, K. & Mackenzie, C. (eds.) (2008). Practical Identity and Narrative Agency. New

York:

Routledge

Baker, D.C. (2003). Studies of the innter life: The impact of spirituality on quality of life.

Quality of Life Research, 12 (1). pp. 51-57.

Buitlaar, M. (2006). I Am the Ultimate Challange, Accounts of Intersectionality in the

Life-Story of a Well-Known Daughter of Moroccan Migrant Workers in the Netherlands.

European Journal of Womens Studies, Vol. 13(3), pp. 159-276

Cohen, E. (1991). Thai Society in Comparative Perspective. Bangkok: White Lotus.

Elliott, R. (1997). Existential consumption and irrational desire. European Journal of

Marketing, 31(3/4), 285-296

Frankfurt, H. (1988). The importance of what we care about. New York: Cambridge UP

Fromm, E. (1976). To Have or to Be. Routledge &Kegan Paul: London.

Geertz, C. (1966). Religion as a cultural system In: M. Banton, Editors, Anthropological

approaches to the study of religion, Praeger, New York

Guillen, M. & Velazco, J. 2006, Exploring the relationship between happiness, objective and

subjective wellbeing: evidence from rural Thailand, WeD Working 11, University of Bath,


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Srivastava, A., Locke, E. A., & Bartol, K. M. 2001, "Money and Subjective wellbeing: it is

not

the money, it is the motives", Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 80, no. 6,

pp. 959-971.

Ver Beek, K.A. (2000). Spirituality: a development taboo. Development and Practice. 10 (1)

Warr. P. (n.d.). The Economics of Enough: Thailands Sufficiency Economy Debate.

Australian National University

WeD (2007).Research Statement: Wellbeing and International Development. Wellbeing in

Development Countries, ERSC Research Group, University of Bath. Available at:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/wellbeing/research/wellbeing-statement.pdf,retrieved 28 June 2009.

White, S. (2009). But what is well-being? A framework for analysis in social and

development policy and practice. In:Paper for Regeneration and Wellbeing: Research into

Practice. University of Bradford

Young, E. (1898). The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe. A Description of Old Siam.

Westminster: Constable, 1898; New York: New Amsterdam, 1900; reprint Singapore:Oxford University Press, 1986
http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/wellbeing/research/wellbeing-statement.pdfhttp://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/wellbeing/research/wellbeing-statement.pdf


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Appendix 1: English version of the household survey

Form A: Basic Household Data

A.1: Please tell us about all household members

PID Nickname Relation Sex Age Place Marital Educational Education Reason Main ReligionLives in

HH

head HH (years)of

birth status level completed drop out Occupation

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

Instruction/remarks:

A) PID = personal ID-code. Give each member a code. This should correspond with the codes you use in Form B1 and B2.

B) Fullname = please write down in English, not in Thai

F) Exclude hospital. (many born in hospital in the city) Thus note the place where they lived after they returned from the hospital.H) Education level = highest level

reachedI) Education completed? = Has this person completed the schooling? Or did this person drop out early?

M) Lives in HH = Does this person currently live in this house? Or does he or she stay somewhere else?

Form A Codes

(C) Relationship to head of the HH: (F) Place of birth: (J) If drop out, please state the main reason


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01 Head of the HH 01 Non-Non Wat 01 For economic reasons

02 Husband/ wife 02 Sri Than 02 Other reason, specify

03 Child (biological) 03 Other quarter Khon Kaen

04 Child (step / adopted) 04 Ban Fang (K) Main occupation:

05 Son/ daughter in law 05 Ban Lao 01 Student/ child

06 Parent 06 Other village/city in Khon Kaen province 02 Working in industrial sector

07 Father/ mother in law 07 Other village/city in Isan 03 Working in civil services

08 Direct brother /sister 08 Other village/city outside Isan (in Thailand) 04 Working in services

09 Brother/ sister in law 09 Other (specify) 05 Working in agriculture

10 Grandchild 06 Bussiness/ trading

11 Grandparent (female side) (G) Marital status: 07 Transportation

12 Grandparent (male side) 01 Not yet married 08 Craftsmanship

13 Uncle/ aunt 02 Living together unmarried 09 Retired

14 Cousin 03 Married 10 Housework

15 Servant 04 Living separated 11 Unemployed

16 Other relative (specify) 05 Divorced 12 Unable to work/ disabled

17 Other non-relative (specify) 06 Widowed 13 Other (specify)

(B) Sex: (H) Educational level: (L) Religion:

01 Male 01 Not yet in school (continue column K) 01 Buddist

02 Female 02 Never been to school (continue column K) 02 Muslim03 Primary school 03 Christian

04 Secondary school 04 None

05 High school 05 Other (specify)

06 College/ university

07 Other (specify) (M) Lives currently in the HH:

01 Yes, permanently (=more than 9 months last year)

(I) Education completed: 02 Yes, but returned/seasonal migrant

01 Yes (away for more than 3 months last year)

02 No, specify how many years completed.. (Continue with Form B1)

03 No (continue with form B1)

Form B1: Migrated Household members Data

Continued from Form A: include those persons who are currently not living in the house

Instruction: Copy the PID of the persons for whom the answer in column M (in Form A) is 02 and 03. For each of these persons, fill in this Form B1.

If none of the household members live outside the house or has been doing that before, continue with Form B2.

PID Length Year start Current/last Reason for Send/ bring Spending Send/ bring Kind of goods


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of leave migration place of migration money home money goods home

(in months) stay/work

A B C D E F G H I

Form B1 Codes

(D) Current/last place of stay/work (E) Reason for migration (G) Main spending of the money (H) Send/ bring goods home

01 This Village/community 01 Marriage (multiple answers possible) 01 Yes

02 Other Village in Isan 02 Occupation (job) 01 Daily expenses 02 No

03 Other quarter in Khon Kaen 03 Education 02 For ceremony 03 Don't know

04 Other city in Isan 04 Other (specify) 03 Housing

05 Greater Bangkok (in and around) 04 Investments (I) Kind of goods

06 Eastern and mid Thailand (F) Send/ bring money home 05 Luxury goods/durables (multiple answers possible)

07 Southern Thailand 01 Yes 06 Medical expenses 01 Stereoset08 North and West Thailand 02 No 07 Education 02 Television

09 Abroad 03 Don't know 08 Communication (e.g. phone) 03 Other electronics

10 Other (specify) 09 Other (specify) 04 Clothing

05 Cigarettes/liquor

06 Food

07 Other (specify)


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Instruction

B) Length of leave = How long did/does this person stay outside the house (in months / last period of migration)?

Example 1: Does this person work elsewhere for 6 months and then return home? Then the answer is 6.

Example 2: Does this person works oversees and has been doing that for 7 months up to now, the answer is 7.

Example 3: If a person has been working oversees for 2 years but returned 3 months ago, the answer is 24.

C) When did this person leave the house for the first time? In what year?

D) Place of migration. They are there now, or - in case of returned migrant - where they were last time.


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Form B2: Migrated Household members Data

Instruction: Are any household members born outside the current place of residence (see form A, column F)?

If no, continue with Form C

If yes, fill in Form B2 for each person that was born outside the current community. Copy the exact PID-code from Form A

B2 For people who were born outside the current place of residence (see Form A) when did they come to this community and why?

PID Date person Reason for migrationarrived in current place

of residence (month/year)

A B C

Form B2 Codes

(C) Reason for migration

01 Marriage

02 Migration with family

03 Occupation (job)

04 Education

05 Other (specify)

Instruction:This Form seeks to identify those persons who migrated to the current place of residence. For those born outside the place ofresidence,

please ask when they came to the current village/city and why they moved there. (maybe the person arrived at the age of 2 when the parents migrated,

or the person came a few years ago in search for a job).Form C: Housing

C.1 What type of house does this household live in?

Instruction: answer by own observation.

01 Shack 04 Brick/ concrete house (two floors)


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02 Wooden house 05 Brick/ wooden house

03 Brick/ concrete house (one floor) 06 Appartment

07 Other (specify)

C.2 Does the household own this property? Or do they rent it? Or is there a different construction?

01 Own property

02 The household pays rent

03 Don't know

04 Other (specify)

C.3 Does the household own the land on which the dwelling is built?

01 Yes

02 No

03 Don't know

C.4 Does the dwelling have electricity?

01 Yes

02 No

03 Don't know

C.5 What is the main source of drinking water?01 Private piped water

02 Communal piped water

03 Well/ tube well

04 Rain water (often from water storage jar)

05 Bottled water

06 Other, specify..

C.6 What kind of toilet facility do the members of the household use?

01 Flush toilet

02 Pit latrine

03 Bucket toilet04 None (outdoors)

05 Other, specify.

C.7 What is the main source of fuel for cooking?

01 Electricitry


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02 Petroleum products

03 Bottled gas / gas tank

04 Firewood (wood, leaves & twigs, etc.)

05 Charcoal

06 Agricultural residue (e.g., stalk, chaff)

07 Other, specify

C.8 How many bedrooms + living rooms does the house have? Number:

C.9 Concerning your family's housing which of the following is true?

The family's housing is:

01 Not adequate

02 Just adequate

03 More than adequate

04 Don't know/ no answer

Form D: Land and assets

D.1 Do you own/use land?

01 Yes

02 No (continue to question D.4)03 Don't want to tell (continue to question D.4)

D.2 How many pieces of land do you use/own? Number:

D.3 Land owned and operated by the household:

No Land ownership/ usage Area (rai) Use of fields Type of water

A B C D

1

2

3

4

5

Form D.3 Codes

(A) Land ownership/ usage: (C) Use of the fields (multiple answers possible):

01 Land is owned by the HH (trough land certificate) 01 Houseplot02 Land of parents used free of charge 02 Rice (D) Main type of water


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used:

03 Rented by the HH for money 03 Cabbage 01 Rain water

04 Rented by the HH for a share of the harvested crop 04 Sugarcane 02 Underground water pump

05 Renting-out 05 Cassave 03 Pumped pond water

06 Public land 06 Corn 04 Public canals

07 Other (specify) 07 Mushroom 05 None

08 Tomato 06 Other, specify

09 Melon

10 Other, specify

D.4 Does your household own any livestock and how many? (excluding pets) (Note 0 (zero) if they do not own one of the items)

Kind of livestock No. Owned

01 Cow

02 Buffalo

03 Chicken

04 Duck

05 Pig

06 Other (specify)

D.5 How many of these items are in your house? (Note 0 (zero) if they do not own one of the items)

Kind of asset No. owned01 Radio/ cassette/ CD

02 Television

03 Video/ DVD player

04 Telephone (not mobile)

05 Mobile Phone

06 Refrigerator

07 Gas stove

08 Air conditioner

09 Bicycle

10 Motorcycle

11 Tractor

12 Car/ truck13 Washing machine

14 Personal Computer

Form E: Income sources

E.1 What are the income sources of your household?


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Type of income source Yes/ no Amount (Baht) Period

A B C D

01 Agricultural activities - own business

02 Agricultural activities - labour

03 Non-agricultural activities - own business

04 Non-agricultural activities - labour

05 Pension

06 Remittances

07 Other, specify

Form E1 Codes

(B) Income source? (D) Period:

01 Yes, continue to C and D 01 Daily

02 No 02 Weekly

03 Don't know/ don't want to tell 03 Monthly

05 Yearly

06 Other (specify)

E.2 How satisfied are you with the household income?

(0=completely dissatisfied, 5=neutral, 10= completely satisfied)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Form F: Debts/savings

F.1 Does your household currently have any debts?

01 Yes

02 No (continue to question F.2)

03 Don't want to tell/ don't know (continue to question F.2)

NoTo whom/

where Amount (Baht) Purpose How pay back Able to pay back

A B C D E

1

2


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3

4

5

Form F1 Codes

(A) To whom/where has the HH debts: (C) Purpose of debt: (D) How to pay back:

01 Bank (BAAC/BCCA) 01 Daily expenses 01 Money

02 Other bank 02 For ceremony 02 Labour

03 Relatives in village/ city 03 Housing 03 Money and labour

04 Relatives outside village/ city 04 Investments 04 Goods

05 Money lenders 05 Luxury goods/durables 05 Other (specify)

06 Friends 06 Medical expenses

07 Neighbours 07 Education (E) Able to pay back

08 Village headman 08 Gambling & drinking 01 Yes09 Village fund(specify) 09 Other (specify) 02 No

10 Other (specify) 03 Don't know


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F.2 Do the household members have any gold?

01 Yes, specify in Bath (weight) Bath (weight):

02 No

03 Don't want to tell/ don't know

F.3 Does your household have any money savings?

01 Yes, specify in Baht Baht:

02 No

03 Don't want to tell/ don't know


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Form G: Consumption

G.1 How often are following kind of foods consumed in your household on average?

Instruction: please tick the right box in each line

Daily (1) Weekly (2) Monthly (3) Less often (4) Never (5)

01 Fruit

02 Vegetables

03 Fish/ water animals

04 Pork05 Beef

06 Chicken

07 Eggs

08 little land animals Remark:

09 snacks Snack = candy, ice cream, etc.

G.2 Please indentify your level of satisfaction with your household's food consumption during the different seasons.

(0=completely dissatisfied, 5=neutral, 10= completely satisfied) Please encircle the right number

01 Dry Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

02 Wet Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

03 Winter 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


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G.3 In the past 12 months, did anyone in the household send money or goods to relatives or friends outside the household?

If yes, how much? If goods, what is the value of those goods?

Instruction: note the total value sent in the last year

Sent to Yes/ no Amount Form G3 Codes

(Baht)

A B C (B) Money/goods sent to these categories?

01 Family/relatives 01 Yes02 Friends 02 No

03 Don't know/ want to tell

G.4 On which items does your household spend most money? Number the 4 most important items.

(Let the respondent rank. Note 1 for the first, most important item; 2 for the second; 3 for the third and 4 for the fourth)

Goods Ranking

A

01 Food

02 Clothes

03 Education

04 Insurance

05 Luxury goods

06 Transport

07 Toiletries

08 Electricity

09 Housing

10 Taxes

11 Health

12 Religious spending

(monks, ceremonies)

13 Repaying debts

14 Other, specify


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G.5 If your household had more money on which four goods would you like to spend more money?

(Let the respondent rank. Note 1 for the first, most important item; 2 for the second; 3 for the third and 4 for the fourth)

Ranking

01 Food

02 Clothes

03 Education

04 Insurance

05 Luxury goods

06 Transport

07 Toiletries

08 Electricity

09 Housing

10 Taxes

11 Health

12 Religious spending

(monks, ceremonies)

13 Repaying debts

14 Other, specify

Form H: Shocks

H1.1 We would like to learn more about shocks: unexpected events that have a negative influence on your household

e.g., a failed crop. Did one of the following shock occur to your household in the past 5 years?

(0=no impact; 5=neutral; 10=very large impact)

Kind of shock Yes/No Impact on daily life - economically Impact on daily life - emotionally

(scale 0-10) (scale 0-10)

A B C D

01 Serious Illness of a HH member

02 Death of HH member

03 Failed crop

04 Loss of employment/bankrupty

05 Sudden fall of crop price

Form H Codes

(b) Yes/no


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01 Yes (Continue with column C and D)

02 No

Instruction:

B) Did the shock occur to this household in the past 5 years?

C/D) Note the number of the scale in the column

Form I: Health

I.1 Does a household member suffer from chronic ill health?

01 Yes

02 No


I.2 Does a household member suffer from a major disability?

01 Yes

02 No


I.3 How satisfied are you with the following health facilities? (scale 0-10)

(0=very dissatisfied; 5=neutral; 10=very satisfied)How satisfied are you with the care you receive from the following facilities?

(scale 0-10)

01 Traditional midwife 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Don't know / N.A.

02 Sub-district government health centre0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 Don't know / N.A.

03 Distr ict government hospital 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Don't know / N.A.

04 Provincial governmental hospital 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Don't know / N.A.

I.4 Do you go to a private clinic or hospital if a household member is ill?

01 Yes

02 No (Continue with Form J)

03 No answer (Continue with Form J)

I.5 If yes, why do you go to a private hospital or clinic?

01 Because it is closer to the house

02 Because the quality is better in these facilities

03 Because these facilities and doctors are more reliable


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04 Other reason, specify

Form J: Social relationsJ.1 How often do members of your household have contact with:

(Please tick the right box for each row)

Daily (1) Weekly (2) Monthly (3)

Once ortwice a year

(4) Less (5)

01 Relatives nearby (in community)

02 Relatives far away

03 Neighbours

04 Colleagues at work

05 Religious dignitaries

06 Community leaders

J.2 Please indicate the purpose of those contacts

(Multiple answers possible; please tick the right box for each row)

Economic Emotional Ceremonies Work, Officialchatting,eating,

support support or festivities business meetings entertainment

A B C D E F

01 Relatives nearby

02 Relatives far away

03 Neighbours

04 Colleagues at work

05 Religious dignitaries

06 Community leaders

J.3 Do you or does one of your household members occupy an important position in the village/community?

01 No

02 Yes, specify who and what position

PID. Name.PositionPID. Name.Position

PID. Name.Position

03 Don't no / No answer

J.4 Are you or someone of your household a member of any organisation?


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01 Yes

02 No (continue to J.6)

03 Don't know (Continue to J.6)

J.5 In what kind of organization(s) do the members of your household participate at the present?

(please tick the right box)

Yes No

01 Official village based organisation

02 Spontanous, informal village based organisation

03 Governmental organisation beyond the community

04 NGO

05 Labour union

06 Religious group

07 Political party

08 Others (specify)

J.6 Did you or any member of your household dropped out of any organisation lately?

01 Yes

02 No (Continue to Form K)

03 Don't know (Continue to Form K)

J.7 Why did you or other members of your family dropped out? (multiple answers possible) (tick the right boxes)

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

PID: PID: PID: PID:

01 Fees were to high

02 No more interested in activities

03 Organisation stopped as a whole

04 Did not agree with the policies or goals of the organisation

05 We moved to another place

06 Personal conflicts with the organisation

07 Health Problems

08 Other (specifiy)

09 Don't know/don't want to tell

Form K: Politics

K.1 Did you vote at the last elections?

01 Yes (continue to K.3)

02 No (continue to K.2)


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03 Don't want to tell (continue with K.4)

K.2 Why not? (multiple answers possible)

01 Because of practical problems

02 Because I do not think my vote makes a difference

03 Because none of the political parties has a leader I like

04 Because none of the political parties has a program I support

05 Because I disagree with the way politics is functioning

06 Because I do not trust politicians

07 Other (specify)Continue with question K.4

(If answered 'yes' to question K.1)

K.3 Why did you vote for the party you voted for? (multiple answers possible)

01 Because this political party has a programme I support

02 Because my family votes for the same party

03 Because the village headman advised me to vote for this party

04 Because a community leader asked me to do so

05 Because I received a small payment

06 Because this party has done something for our community in the past

07 Because this party has done something for me in the past

08 Becasue this party has a leader I support

09 Other, specify

K.4 Will you vote during the next elections?

01 Yes (continue with K.5)

02 No (Go to question K.7)

03 Don't know (Go to question K.7)

04 Don't want to tell (Go to question K.7)


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K.5 Will you vote for the same party?

01 Yes (Continue with question K.7)

02 No (Continue with question K.6)

03 Don' t know (Continue with question K.7)

04 Don't want to tell (Continue with question K.7)

K.6 If not the same party, why do you want to vote for a different political party? (multiple answers possible)

01 Because this political party has a programme I support

02 Because my family votes for the same party03 Because the village headman advised me to vote for this party

04 Because a community leader asked me to do so


06 Because this party has done something for our community in the past

07 Because this party has done something for me in the past

08 Becasue this party has a leader I support09 Because I am unsatisfied with the party I voted for during the lastelection

10 Other; specify

K.7 What or who are your sources of information on politics? Indicate on a scale from 0 to 10 how important the following sources are to

you.(0=not at all important; 5=neutral; 10=very important)

01 Radio 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

02 TV 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

03 Newspaper 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

04 Relatives 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

05 Neighbours 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

06 Friends 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

07 Village head 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

08 Other community leader 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

09 Rally of political party 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 Other, specify 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


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K.8 How often do you receive information on politics?

01 Never

02 Less than once a month

03 About once a month

04 Almost once every two weeks

05 About once a week

06 Almost every day

07 Don't know/don't want to tell

K.9 What sources of information you consider to be the most reliable?

(Note a 1 for the most reliable; a 2 for the second reliable and a 3 for the third answered item)

Rank

01 Radio

02 TV

03 Newspaper

04 Relatives

05 Neighbours

06 Friends

07 Village head

08 Other community leader09 Rally of political party

10 Other, specify

K.10 Have you ever participated in political demonstrations?

01 Yes (continue to K.11)

02 No (continue to K.12)

03 Dont want to tell (continue to K.12)


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K.11 If yes, Why?


02 Because I was against the policy

03 Because I was asked to join

04 Other (specify)

K.12 According to you, how important are th

Documents

Buddhist Ethics, Consumption Choices and Well-Being in a Sub-Urban Community in Northeastern Thailand Andrea Zipprich