BUDDHIST METHODS FOR STRENGTHENGING POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION FOR YOUTH AT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To investigate the political socialization of youths in educational institutions; 2. To examine the factors influencing the political socialization of youths in educational institutions, and 3. To propose Buddhist approaches for promoting political socialization among youths in Phetchabun Province. A mixed-methods research design was conducted. The qualitative research conducted by in-depth interviewing 18 key informants and the data were analyzed by descriptive interpretation, alongside a focus group discussion with 9 participants to validate the synthesized knowledge. The quantitative research utilized a questionnaire with reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.936. to collect data from 396 samples who were youths aged 15–17 years from educational institutions in Phetchabun Province.  The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The research findings revealed that: 1. Educational institutions played a crucial role in instilling knowledge regarding citizens' rights and duties through curricula and supplementary activities, such as educational excursions and training camps, thereby enhancing youths' understanding of political systems and promoting critical thinking skills; 2. Factors influencing political socialization included political organizations (50.0%), educational institutions (39.6%), and peer groups (20.0%). The Buddhist principle of Iddhipada, Path of Accomplishment was found to significantly influence the learning process, particularly through Citta, attention and engagement (65.7%) and Viriya, perseverance (27.3%); 3. Buddhist methods for promoting political socialization among youths comprised Chanda; desire to learn politics, Viriya; effort to study, Citta; attention to political news, and Vimamsa; critical inquiry and understanding of political diversity, all contributing to the development of responsible and competent citizenship.