Factors affecting the inheritance of traditional local community culture : A case study of the Karen ethnic group, Chalae Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District. Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research article is to study factors affecting the inheritance of traditional local community culture among the Karen ethnic group in Chalae Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province. This study uses mixed research methods, between qualitative research and quantitative research—a participatory action research method. The research found that the process of inheriting the traditional local community culture of the Karen ethnic group involved both material culture and abstract culture. It is inherited in an informal way from generation to generation of community members through their daily lives in terms of culture, traditions, beliefs, and rituals that maintain their original form and in a way that has been given less importance. The changing external environment has greatly affected the inheritance of the Karen culture. All five factors affecting the cultural inheritance of the Karen people were at a high level. In order are the factors of the diffusion of new cultures has the highest mean of 4.50, public utility development factors have an average of 4.42, factors of increasing public services have an average of 4.33, economic factors have an average of 4.20, and factors from the expansion of state power have an average of 4.10, with important suggestions for modifying the inheritance of traditional culture that will bring the greatest benefit to the Karen community.