The role of women in Thailand has changed drastically over time. In the past, Thai women were expected to do household chores, take care of their family, and be a “follower of their husband” (Sarutta, 2002). These women were completely obedient to him, even though men in high society were able to have several wives. It did not matter what societal status a women was born into, they all were considered to have a lower status than the men (Sarutta, 2002). The men were required to leave home for about 4-6 months either to do labor or guard the capital. This left the women at home, trying to make a living while still caring for the family and doing the household chores. Women would work in fields, farm, weave cloth for their families, and do any other thing to make their family a living.
This is extremely interesting to me, how submissive these women were to their husbands — they were not even aloud to chose their husband, their parents would do it for them. Although, these “women had been taught since they were young about their expected role and duties” (Sarutta, 2002). They grew up around this cultural environment where these things were normal; for example, growing up boys would be sent to study at a temple, while girls would stay home and learn house chores. One thing I found extremely interesting, which further proves how men were viewed as “better” than women, is this old belief that “a man who committed adultery would, after his death, be sent to hell to be severely punished; after the suffering in hell, he would have to be born a woman for 500 lives and a transvestite for another 500 lives before being born a man again” (Sarutta, 2002). The view of women in Thailand, starting in high society, began to change under the reign of King Rama IV, starting in 1851. This was a great time of change for the role of women in Thailand. He encouraged women to partake in social activities; he even set an example to other men, after traveling abroad, by “treating women politely, like in Western culture, and taking his fiancee to social functions” (Sarutta, 2002). Real change came for women after this time when King Rama traveled to the Western world in about 1910. He said that women should be well educated, sharp-witted, responsible, and are citizens who should help their country; for instance, by voting. Men were also outlawed of having multiple wives, which I believe was a wonderful turn around in the aspect of a strong, real relationship and very beneficial for family aspects. Today, women go to work like men and many are promoted to leaders in organizations; for example, Thailand’s Prime Minister is a women. (YAY for gender role reformation!) Many Thai women are more self confident of their role in the work place, but do not neglect their original duties. These women still do household chores, cook, and take care of their family. I believe that is how things are in many cultures around the world. There is this unspoken gender role that takes place where women are expected to clean, cook, and be the main caregiver to the family. I do not completely agree with that outlook, but that is how men and society continue to think today. Sources: Sarutta. (2002). Women's Status in Thai Society. Thaiways Magazine, 19(11). Retrieved February 23, 2016, from http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_article/1911_thai_women_status/thai_women_status.html Lim, M. (2011, December 2). Women of Northeast Thailand: Privilege and Obligation. Retrieved February 23, 2016, from http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/letters/women-of-northeast-thailand-privilege-and-obligation
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AuthorKristin Wenzel Archives
April 2016
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