Development of Youth Citizenship Potential in Democracy with Buddhist Integration by Civil Society in Lamphun Province

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to explore the democratic citizenship of youth in Lamphun Province, 2) to examine the factors affecting the democratic citizenship of youth in Lamphun Province, and 3) to present the development of youth potential for democratic citizenship in an integrated Buddhist democracy by the civil society in Lamphun Province. This study was mixed-method research both qualitative researches using in-depth interviews from 18 key informants and quantitative research using questionnaires. Data were collected from a sample of 395 people and analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.

         The research results found that:

         1) The democratic citizenship of youth in Lamphun Province found that the civil society enhanced understanding of citizenship duties, aimed to make the democratic values, and encouraged respect for social rules by learning through community activities.

         2) Factors affecting the democratic citizenship of youth in Lamphun Province found that the development of youth potential affected the democratic citizenship which was predicted at 35.6 percent and the four Sangahavatthu principles affected the democratic citizenship of youth in Lamphun Province, which was predicted at 18.7 percent.

         3) The development of youth potential for citizenship in an integrated Buddhist democracy by the civil society in Lamphun Province found that the Sangahavatthu principles helped the strengthen citizenship in youth through sacrifice, appropriate speech, following social rules, and treating others equally.