Positive youth development through grassroots perspectives : exploring the suitability of positive youth development within Thailand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2024
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Massey University
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Abstract
This research project explores the suitability of Positive Youth Development (PYD) frameworks developed in the West for application to non-Western societies by exploring five different grassroots youth development organisations in Thailand. It draws on the insights of youth participants, staff members, and founders from these organisations gained through interviews and observational research. The study employs a qualitative methodology, adopting a strength-oriented approach within a constructivist paradigm. Twenty participants were interviewed, including eleven youth participants, five staff members and four organisational founders. The research identified challenges and opportunities in implementing PYD to benefit Thai youth. One of the critical project findings is the community's significant role in shaping PYD in Thailand. Youth participants did not view their development in isolation but saw it as closely tied to their community. Community acceptance and involvement profoundly impacted the participant youths' self-esteem, abilities, overall well-being and capacity to become leaders. The findings illuminate that negative community perceptions of education, economic constraints, and limited access to training and job opportunities significantly hinder youth opportunities. Additionally, social exclusion and cultural norms may limit youth potential. This suggests that the community within this collectivist society has a dual effect on youth development. Support and acceptance can enhance positive outcomes. Conversely, a lack of support or understanding due to harmful cultural and social norms, community perceptions of further education being subservient to the need to provide for one's family by working, and the place of youth in society can restrict youth development. This highlights the need for solid support systems in considering PYD implementation. Leadership development and mentorship were crucial for fostering community engagement among youth participants. Mentors, in particular, play a key role in guiding and motivating young people. The study also emphasises Thailand's wide range of geographical and social environments and the importance of providing tailored support and opportunities for practical and emotional skill development. These findings suggest that successful youth development initiatives in Thailand must be carefully customised to address the unique needs of young people and their specific community contexts. The study advocates for a culturally sensitive adaptation of the PYD framework to the Thai context and, more broadly, for its application to other collectivist, non-Western cultures, emphasising the importance of understanding community dynamics and cultural nuances.