Attitudes Towards Marital Life Based on the Siṅgālaka Sutta Among Second-Year Undergraduate Students Majoring in Humanities and Social Sciences at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University

Abstract

This article objectives 1) To study the roles of husband and wife according to the principles outlined in the Siṅgālaka sutta.  2) To examine the attitudes of second-year undergraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University towards married life based on the principles of the Siṅgālaka sutta.  Research Findings 1) Roles of Husband and Wife in the Siṅgālaka sutta. The concept of the Western Direction (Pacchima Disa) in the Siṅgālaka sutta refers to the relationship between husband and wife, where their responsibilities are mutually supportive. The duties of a good wife include five key aspects 1. Waking up early, going to bed late, and paying attention to her husband.  2. Respecting those whom the husband respects. 3. Diligence in all household duties. 4. Supervising and managing household members.  5. Practicing thrift and safeguarding the husband’s assets. The duties of a good husband also encompass five aspects 1. Honoring and respecting his wife. 2. Not disparaging her. 3. Being faithful.  4. Sharing authority within the household.   5. Providing clothing and adornments.  2) Attitudes of Undergraduate Students The analysis revealed that most respondents, second-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, had positive attitudes towards married life based on the Siṅgālaka sutta. This was reflected in their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions, with scores rated at a high level for both male and female students. Female students demonstrated a slightly higher overall average score than male students (x̄ Female = 4.12, x̄ Male = 4.01). This indicates a generally positive perception and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of spouses in married life.