Development of Youth’s Sustainable Social Volunteerism through Buddhist Integration

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) study opinions regarding the promotion of volunteer behavior among students in schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration; 2) analyze the sustainability of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration students regarding volunteering towards society according to the principles of Buddhist integration; and 3) propose strategies for the sustainable development of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration students regarding volunteering towards society based on this integrated approach. This mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 364 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration students using a structured questionnaire. Qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with parents, teachers affiliated with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration schools, and experts in volunteer development and Buddhist principles. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation) were used, and for qualitative data, content analysis was used. The research results were found as follows: 1) Overall perceptions of promoting volunteer behavior were high, with the highest-rated aspect being recognition of community benefits, followed by motivation for volunteering, social sacrifice, helping others, commitment to development, and community responsibility; 2) The integration of Buddhist principles, specifically the Four Divine States of Mind (Brahmavira) and the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Sangahavatthu), was identified as a viable foundation for sustainable volunteerism. However, significant obstacles persist, including a lack of intrinsic motivation, a superficial understanding of volunteerism, and insufficient support systems, which collectively undermine sustainability; and 3) for long-term success, the promotion of student volunteerism should systematically embed Buddhist principles into both formal and extracurricular learning processes to foster an internalized and enduring volunteer consciousness. The study concluded that embedding culturally resonant Buddhist ethics into educational practices is crucial for transforming volunteerism from a sporadic activity into a sustainable, intrinsic value among Thai youth, thereby contributing to a more socially responsible and resilient society.