“FAMILY” AND “KINSHIP” AROUND SONGKHLA LAKE BASIN AMID CHANGING TRENDS FROM B.E. 2460 TO THE PRESENT TIME

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the definition of family and kinship around Songkhla Lake Basin as well as analyze the characteristics of familial relationship and the kinship among communities in the area throughout changes from B.E. 2460 to the present time, all of which are regarded as the study of local history via a historical methodology.

The research results revealed that according to the local history of the communities around Songkhla Lake Basin, three characteristics were displayed regarding the definition of “family” and the perception of the people’s “kinship”: consanguineal (bloodline or biological connection), affinal (marriage), and social (community or religious connection). The changes in the characteristics of familial relationship and the kinship are divided into three periods or traits: Firstly, before B.E. 2520 where the familial relationship and kinship were so strong as to have become the foundation and mechanism that stabilized the local communities; Secondly, from B.E. 2520 to mid-2540 where the familial relationship and kinship were distant as a result of lifestyles marked by individualism that led to the lack of interest in and a gap between people of different age groups and generations; Thirdly, from B.E. mid-2540 to the present time where the familial relationship and kinship have been restored, and applied values to drive group activities, and strengthened the network in consistent with changes today.