Acceptance of Woman Leader’s Roles in Local Community Development of the Pga K'nyaw Karen People in Mae Date Noi, Mae Date Subdistrict, Kanlayaniwattana District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the important roles of woman leader in the development of Pga K'nyaw community, Mae Date Noi village; 2) to study the level of role acceptance and analyze factors affecting the acceptance of woman leader’s roles in the development of Pga K'nyaw community, Mae Date Noi village; and 3) to propose the appropriate roles of local woman leaders in developing the Pga K'nyaw communities. The study applied quantitative methodology by using descriptive statistics and multiple regression model, together with qualitative methodology through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with woman leader, villagers, and those involves.

The research results were summarized as follows: The important roles of woman leader in the development of Pga K'nyaw community had 6 aspects:  1) administration and maintaining order, 2) career development and promotion, 3) conservation of natural resources and environment, 4) justice and conflict management, 5) service, and 6) spiritual. The level of acceptance of woman leadership roles was highest in all aspects.  The study found that, leadership, occupation, and participation factors significantly affected acceptance of the role of woman leader in Pga K'nyaw community development.  From the research results, this study proposed that Pga K'nyaw woman leaders should continuously perform those 6 development roles, especially in occupational promotion and activities related to agricultural products within the community context.  In addition, the leaders should develop their leadership; and villagers should be encouraged to participate in various development activities regularly in order to build acceptance of the roles of woman leaders in Pga K'nyaw community development.