Integration of Buddhist Principles to Promote Political Participation Among the Elderly in Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to examine the level of political participation among the elderly in Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province; (2) to study the relationship between the principles of Aparihaniyadhamma and the promotion of political participation among the elderly; and (3) to propose guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to enhance political participation among the elderly. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative research involved a sample of 400 elderly participants, using a questionnaire as the instrument. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative research involved 12 key informants, using in-depth interviews, and data were analyzed through content analysis.
The research results found that:
1. The overall level of political participation among the elderly was high ( = 3.97, S.D. = 1.20). By aspect, the highest mean score was for fostering democratic culture ( = 3.97, S.D. = 1.20), followed by political communication ( = 3.96, S.D. = 0.71), monitoring political news ( = 3.85, S.D. = 0.82), exchanging political opinions ( = 3.78, S.D. = 0.82), and voting ( = 3.59, S.D. = 0.62).
2. The analysis showed that the seven principles of Aparihaniyadhamma were positively correlated with the promotion of political participation among the elderly, with statistical significance at the .01 level.
3. The proposed integration guidelines included organizing forums for opinion exchange, promoting social equality, supporting the role of women in communities, and instilling morality through religious activities to encourage constructive and sustainable political participation among the elderly.