BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION AMONGUPPER SECONDARY STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF BOONWATTAN 2SCHOOL, HUA THALE, MUEANG NAKHON RATCHASIMA DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of political socialization, 2) compare political socialization categorized by personal factors, and 3) present the integration of Buddhist principles for political socialization. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.921 and a sample population of 116 individuals. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, F-test, and one-way ANOVA for three or more independent variables. Pairwise comparisons of means were conducted using the least significant difference method. Qualitative research involved interviews with nine key informants. The findings revealed: 1. The overall level of political socialization was high ( = 4.10). 2. A comparison of political socialization categorized by personal factors showed no significant differences in opinions among students of different genders, ages, and educational levels, thus rejecting the research hypothesis. 3. The integration of Buddhist principles for political socialization included: 1) Metta (loving-kindness) and wishing well to others. These principles clearly help to cultivate positive behaviors in students: 2) Kind speech (Metta Vajikamma): Speaking with good intentions helps reduce conflict. 3) Kind thoughts (Metta Manokamma): Thinking good thoughts and having good intentions from within the heart. 4) Sharing (Satharana Bhogi): Knowing how to share benefits and sacrificing personal gain for the happiness of the community. 5) Commonality of conduct (Sila Samanyata): Having consistent behavior and creating a unified standard of conduct. 6) Commonality of views (Ditthi Samanyata): Reducing conflict and fostering harmony.