Reducing Social Inequality Among Hmong Ethnic Groups in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to analyze the problems of social inequality; 2) to study the causes of social inequality; and 3) to propose ways to reduce social inequality of the Hmong ethnic group in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. This was a qualitative research by interviewing 25 key informants. Data were analyzed according to content by summarizing based on objectives and taking data from document analysis together with the information obtained from the in-depth interview. The results of the research were as follows: 1) the problem condition of social inequality of the Hmong ethnic group in Chiang Kham District had a problem condition of reducing inequality. At present, because various agencies in many sectors recognize the importance of the problems, therefore they integrated cooperation to organize various projects and activities that will help and encourage the Hmong ethnic group in the area to develop a better quality of life continuously; 2) the cause of social inequality of the Hmong ethnic group was caused by 8 causes including income, property holdings, access to social services and infrastructure, unfair treatment by state powers, poverty alleviation and community strengthening, participation in social development and quality of life, gender, and commenting; and 3) in terms of guidelines for reducing social inequality of the Hmong ethnic group in Chiang Kham District, cooperation should be created between local government organizations and community leaders to develop the ability to pursue a career, access to information on occupational development for the Hmong ethnic group in the area, creating opportunities for farmers to have land for farming and having clarity on land rights for living and making a living, promoting the development of additional occupations to solve poverty problems and supporting the integration of occupational groups that were consistent with the capabilities and potential of the Hmong ethnic group in the area to drive continuous development work.