The Study of Factors influencing the Change of Funeral Ritual in Urban Community, Muang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This article aims to qualitatively investigate the factors influencing the change of funeral ritual in urban community, Muang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham Province. The target group was 52 people from inhabitants living in Patchimmatad Community 1 and 2, neighboring communities and others, and key informants. Interview and observation forms were used as research instruments. The collected data were proceeded with content analysis and analytical descriptive presentation. The study indicated that: The finding reveals that the factors influencing the change of funeral ritual in urban community are from concept and belief. Both of them influence the change of funeral ritual process which is related to not only way of life and life pattern of people in the community but also social context. This change is influenced by 2 factors: internal and external factors. First, the internal factors i.e. concept, belief, and culture of people in the community, have been changed due to urbanization. Second, external factors consist of society, economy, and politics. The society is influenced by changing community structure into urbanization. In terms of economy, dependency economic system was previously highlighted, but now the funeral business providing nearly full service can be found. As for politics, religious leaders work together with community to design the funeral ritual which is influenced by central administration model. Therefore, the popularity of traditional funeral ritual with cooperation among people in community is changed. Currently, both internal and external factors become extremely influential in the change of funeral ritual.