SOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING BUDDHIST FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY OF RANOT DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

     The objectives of this study were: 1) to examine the social factors affecting faith in Buddhism; 2) to investigate the level of Buddhist faith among the community in Ranot District, Songkhla Province; 3) to examine the relationship between social factors and Buddhist faith among the community in Ranot District, Songkhla Province; and 4) to propose guidelines for promoting Buddhist faith among the community in Ranot District, Songkhla Province. This research employed a quantitative research approach. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 351 Buddhist residents in Thabon Subdistrict, Ranot District, Songkhla Province. The sample size was determined based on the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table, and the respondents were selected using proportional stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. In addition, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was employed to examine the relationships between variables.

The findings revealed that:

1. Social factors were overall at a high level (3.97). Family factors showed the highest influence (4.20), followed by local traditions and cultural practices (4.02), while peer groups and social networks showed the lowest influence (3.77). This indicates that Buddhist faith remains largely rooted in traditional social structures.


2. Overall Buddhist faith was at a high level (4.00). Faith in the Enlightenment of the Tathāgata (Tathāgata-bodhi-saddhā) had the highest mean score (4.10), reflecting strong confidence in the wisdom and enlightenment of the Buddha. Meanwhile, faith in karma (Kamma-saddhā) (3.98) and faith in the results of karma (Vipāka-saddhā) (3.92) remained important moral foundations. However, the application of karmic principles in daily decision-making was lower than other aspects.


3. Social factors were positively correlated with Buddhist faith at a high level with statistical significance (r = .78, p < .01). Local traditions and cultural practices showed the strongest relationship with faith in karma and the results of karma (r = .82), whereas peer groups and social networks demonstrated the weakest relationship with faith in the Enlightenment of the Tathāgata (r = .54).


4. Guidelines for promoting faith should encompass all four aspects, emphasizing wisdom-based faith and practical application. Temples should serve as centers for integrating the roles of families, schools, and community leaders to strengthen faith and promote sustainable community development.