Reference

Cooperation and Community in Rural Thailand : an Organizational Analysis of Participatory Rural Development, Shin'ichi Shigetomi, Institute of Developing Economies

Authors :

Shin'ichi Shigetomi

Summary :

This study looks at the cooperation that takes place among Thai villagers by examining their cooperative activities and the bases for these activities.

During the past 30 years the market economy has penetrated rapidly into rural Thailand, breaking down the traditional form of dynamic cooperation in the exchange of resources. This is being replaced by organizations that carry out the exchange of resources based on collective agreement. However, these new organizations have required villagers to accept new administrative principles and organizational norms which they have never previously experienced, and their has generated a strong sense of uncertainty when first setting up these organizations. To overcome this uncertainty, villagers have mobilized their existing social organizations. This study found that the existence of a "village community" has been a key element in supporting this new form of villagers organizing.

Through an analysis of self-organizing activities in rural development, this study points out the principles of Thai villager cooperation and the structure of their village community. It is also meant to be a contribution to the theoretical study of villager organizing which is vital to participatory development strategy.

Keywords :

Social science, rural communities, Thailand.

Contacts :

Shin'ichi Shigetomi
Institute of Developing Economies