Buddishm and the Hmong: A Case Study in Social Adjustment
Author(s):
Tapp, Nicholas
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Developing Societies, Volume 2, Issue 1 (1986-04). pp. 68-88.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Examined from an interethnic perspective is the impact of Thai Buddhism on the Hmong, a community of traditionally upland shifting cultivators of northern Thailand. After describing the historical position of ethnic minorities in Thai Buddhist states, & the recent emergence of the Thammacarik program of missionary Buddhism in Thailand, the low acceptance of this program is explored through the case history of a Thai monk & the results of a questionnaire survey of urban Hmong (N not provided). A Thai Buddhist account of a Hmong conversion is criticized, illustrating how underlying assumptions about Hmong society are articulated by a Buddhist framework of morality. The results suggest that the embeddedness of a religion in particular sociocultural values will militate against its adoption by those who do not share such values. 32 References. Modified HA