Women Leader Construction Procedure in Isan Culture of Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study the women leader construction procedure and factors that threatening and encouraging women leader in Isan culture. Analysis subjects were 14 women MP and Senator from Kalasin, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Sakon Nakhon, Sri Sa Ket and Khon Kaen Provinces. From historical study on women, there was a theoretically argument on women issue which was considered to be a critical conceptual movement in the west. It was the fighting against the system that blocks women prospect and attempt to give reasons for the inferior status in society. Contrastingly, the author found that Isan women were not inferior due to the indistinguishable role performed relative to men, especially decision making power at home and outside working. Presenting the studied women history reflects that Isan women leaders need more acceptances, therefore, to be a leader is an alternative to enhance social status and to do so they must depend upon leadership construction procedure and related factors. Results found that women leader construction procedure in Isan culture comprised of 5 steps: (1) self-construct for having important role in the society, (2) build up political leader heiress, (3) faith- and trust-construct within population, (4) stronger team work construction that dependable for local people or subordinates and with good relationship between leader and followers and (5) ability to make others changes their own behavior and useful to their society.