Buddhism as Cultural Capital in Thailand

Abstract

This article examines Buddhism as cultural capital in Thai society, drawing upon sociological and anthropological perspectives on cultural capital. Utilizing Pierre Bourdieu’s tripartite framework embodied, objectified, and institutionalized cultural capital—it explores how Buddhism functions historically and contemporarily as a vital resource shaping Thai identity, morality, and institutions. The study illustrates how Buddhist values and practices are embodied in personal habits, objectified in sacred spaces and religious artifacts, and institutionalized in education and governance. It then analyzes contemporary challenges facing Buddhism as cultural capital, including consumerism, digital culture, and globalization. While these forces transform the meanings and practices of Buddhism, they also reveal its adaptability as a living resource that continues to guide cultural continuity and social change. The article concludes that Buddhism remains both a resilient and contested form of cultural capital, whose significance lies in its capacity to balance tradition and innovation in an interconnected world.