Why women weave in groups : a case study of OTOP groups in Uthai Thani Province, Thailand | |
| Author | Parichat Meesomsakdi |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-25-03 |
| Subject(s) | Women--Cooperative societies--Thailand--Case studies Women in community development--Thailand--Case studies |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study examines the dynamics of OTOP (One Tambon One Product) weaving groups of different star ratings in Baan Rai District of Uthai Thani Province, focusing on the motivations behind members joining these groups, their leadership structures, operations, and socioeconomic outcomes. The research highlights the different values that women have, along with the varying levels of government support received by each group. Some groups benefit from strong local leadership and deep community ties, while the other struggles due to a lack of connections. The findings show that three groups primarily value the social benefits of joining, such as supporting their leaders and interacting with fellow members. In contrast, one 5-star group places a stronger emphasis on income generation and skill development as their main motivation compared to the other groups. This distinction affects how the groups operate, generate income, and why they receive their respective star ratings.The study also explores women's priorities and their understanding of empowerment. These varying definitions of empowerment reflect different priorities of women. With these differences, the study examines their economic and social dynamics to understand their needs and priorities. The findings suggest that groups that prioritize social relationships over income generally have lower earnings from OTOP but still report satisfaction and contentment with both their lives and their participation in OTOP Groups. On the contrary, the group with strongest economic drive with savings and income that are better managed tends to define empowerment differently. These distinctions highlight how women in different groups define empowerment in diverse ways. Kabeer's empowerment model and Sen's Capability Approach are applied to explore how women participate in collective weaving and the role it plays in their empowerment. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chatterjee, Joyee S.;Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |