The Application of Buddhadhamma to Enhance Political Socialization in Democratic System among High School Students of Thung Saliam District, Sukhothai Province

การประยุกต์หลักพุทธธรรมเพื่อส่งเสริมการกล่อมเกลาทางการเมืองในระบอบประชาธิปไตยของนักเรียนมัธยมศึกษาตอนปลายในอำเภอทุ่งเสลี่ยม จังหวัดสุโขทัย

Abstract

This study aimed to 1. explore the level of political socialization in democratic system of high school students of Thung Saliam district, Sukhothai province; 2. investigate factors influencing their political socialization in democratic system; and 3. study the integration of Sucarita (good conduct) for political socialization that affects them. The research employed a mixed-methods research,
The sample size of 271, Data analysis involved calculating frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and performing stepwise multiple regression analysis The qualitative research, was used in-depth interviews were conducted with 9 key informants.

The results were as follows.

1. High school students in Thung Saliam district demonstrated a high level of political socialization in democratic system.
2. Sucarita (good conduct) could explain 46 percent (R2= 0.678) of high school students’ political socialization in democratic system.
3. The integration of Sucarita (good conduct) to enhance high school students’ political socialization in democratic system comprised the following elements. Kāya-sucarita (good conduct in act): It refers to political expression in democratic system that prioritizes individual political rights. Vacī-sucarita (good conduct in word): It involves the expression of opinions in democratic political discourse that promotes unity. Mano-sucarita (good conduct in thought): It focuses on cultivating democratic citizenship by enabling individuals to critically distinguish morally correct and incorrect actions. Hence, enhancing political socialization in democratic system requires the following key principles: providing a platform for open exchange of ideas, promoting collaborative policy-making, ensuring equal and respectful treatment, and safeguarding students' rights and freedoms through transparent and verifiable processes.