The purpose of this research was to investigate how Buddhism affects the status of Thai women by (1) not directly addressing concerns regarding the sex trade industry, (2) not allowing for the legitimation of a bhikkuni sangha (community of higher ordained women) and (3) denying mae chis (5-9 precept nuns) access to education and other privileges. The study is significant from the standpoint of public health since there is a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Thailand, and also in regard to human rights because of the growing international interest in women's rights issues. This study is based on a review of key literature on the topic, along with observations and on-the-ground accounts of Thai Buddhism from travel opportunities to the country in recent years. The findings suggest that Buddhism contributes to the low status of women by defining how they are viewed based on Buddhist scripture and traditional Thai culture and by systematically failing to provide the same religious outlets for women that men are allowed.
目次
I. Introduction 1 Background 1 Defining the Terms 5
II. Gender and Religion in Thailand 11 Women’s Role in Society 11 Buddhism and the State 19
III. The Dynamics of the Sex Trade in Thailand 26 Historical Reflections 26 The Thai Economic Boom 29 Human Rights and HIV/AIDS 32 The Modern Perspective and Prostitution Law 37
IV. Buddhism’s Connection to the Sex Trade 42 Background 42 Women and Thai Buddhism 51 The Thai Concept of “Merit-Making” 62
V. The Thai Mae Chi Position 68 Function in Society 68 Recent Achievements and Goals for the Future 71 The Thammacarini Witthaya School 76
VI. The Bhikkhuni Struggle in Thailand 79 The Lack of a Bhikkhuni Sangha 79 Three Waves of Bhikkhuni Activism in Thailand 84 Current Strategy and Competition with the Mae Chi Movement 91
