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Traditionally, the practice of polygamy was widely accepted in Thai society. Thai men usually had at least one minor wife or more. Although polygamy was legally abolished in 1932, the practice of polygamy still exists in modern day Thai society. Thai society has long been under the patriarchal system, a form of social organization in which a man or men rule and descent is reckoned through the male line. In other words, Thai society was a male dominant one which women's status was unquestionably inferior when compared to men's status. Generally, men had the responsibilities to earn an income for his family, as well as to protect his family members; while women had to follow their husbands and look after their husbands and children. In the past, Thai women had to behave properly and be faithful to their husbands. The proper behaviors of Thai women include obedient, modest, submissive, and being a good housewife. The traits of good housewife are explained in Cross-Cultural Communication: An introduction text book that "The wife is expected to look nice, to be obedient and loyal to the husband, to manage the household chores and to take care of her husband and the children." In contrast, Thai men were the leader of their family and had full authorities over their wives. "Wives and children
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The King Rama IV had studied a lot of western literatures and he realized and understood the importance of gender equality. The first action was the passing of a law that prohibited men from selling their wives and prohibited parents from forcing their daughters to get marry involuntarily. These prohibitions allowed women to have the right over their own body and the right to choose their own spouse. Later in the reign of the King Rama VI, compulsory education was provided to all citizens regardless of gender. The King Rama VI also advocated monogamy but at that time it was not widely practiced by the Thai people. However, polygamy was abolished in 1932 during the reign of the King Rama …show more content…
Therefore, more, and more Thai women became well educated. There were some job opportunities such as becoming nurses and teachers for them. The belief that women were passive and dependent was gradually converted into active and independent women; since some Thai women don't have to rely on their husband's incomes anymore. In addition, during the Second World War, some women were sent abroad to be trained to be a nurse, consequently, some of them notice the gender equality from western countries. Through this impact they began to take action by fighting for their own women's rights.
The King Rama IV had studied a lot of western literatures and he realized and understood the importance of gender equality. The first action was the passing of a law that prohibited men from selling their wives and prohibited parents from forcing their daughters to get marry involuntarily. These prohibitions allowed women to have the right over their own body and the right to choose their own spouse. Later in the reign of the King Rama VI, compulsory education was provided to all citizens regardless of gender. The King Rama VI also advocated monogamy but at that time it was not widely practiced by the Thai people. However, polygamy was abolished in 1932 during the reign of the King Rama …show more content…
Therefore, more, and more Thai women became well educated. There were some job opportunities such as becoming nurses and teachers for them. The belief that women were passive and dependent was gradually converted into active and independent women; since some Thai women don't have to rely on their husband's incomes anymore. In addition, during the Second World War, some women were sent abroad to be trained to be a nurse, consequently, some of them notice the gender equality from western countries. Through this impact they began to take action by fighting for their own women's rights.