“Female Destroyer or Victim of Patriarchal Morality in Religious Institutions” : A Critical Analysis of Power Structures in Thai Monastic Institutions Through the Case of ‘Sika K.’

Abstract

This research aims to 1) examine the construction and functioning of patriarchal moral discourse within Thai Buddhist monastic institutions; 2) critique the role of Buddhism in producing power and controlling women; and 3) propose structural reform approaches for Thai monastic institutions. The study employs qualitative research methodology through document and discourse analysis, using the “Sika K.” case study with theoretical frameworks of gender, power, and discourse. Research instruments include analytical data recording forms and discourse analysis recording forms. Data analysis employs a mixed-method approach combining content analysis and discourse analysis. The research findings reveal that patriarchal moral discourse is deeply embedded in the structure of Thai monastic institutions through three-level mechanisms: 1) mass media, 2) monastic organizations, and 3) public collective perception. This discourse plays a crucial role in producing and reinforcing the image of women as “threats” or “destroyers of religious sanctity”. Conversely, monks involved in various scandals receive diminished responsibility through discourse frameworks portraying them as “victims of defilements” or “temporarily misguided individuals”. This represents a power mechanism that maintains male privilege within the religious system. The research findings concludes that Thai Buddhism not only functions as a religion of morality but also systematically serves as an instrument for reproducing both cultural and institutional patriarchal power.