Abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to study what the educational and occupational values among the Buddhists and Catholics in upcountry are like and to examine whether there are differences and similarities in those values between these two religious groups. A sample of 204 households was drawn from five Buddhist districts, Tambon Balking, Bang Kratuek, Bang Toey, Song Kanong and Hom Bred. 2000 households were drawn drawn from one Catholic district, Tambon thakam. All six districts are in Amphur Sampran, Nakorn Pathom. The data were collected by interviewing the head of each household with the use of questionnaires. The result shows that the Buddhists and Catho lies have the same educational attitude toward eeation; they believe that education is important to enable ones to have good jobs and good earnings. They tend to encourage their children to study higher that the compulsory level, Prathom 4-Prathom 7. Both religious group prefer their kids to study at least from M.S. 3 up to university level. Most of them agree that universtiy education is important, as a result they tend to encourage their sons to reach this level. The reasons for choosing this level are a good opportunity to get a good job and a bright future. Buddhist girls and Catholic girls on the whole are encouraged to study higher than M.S. 3 up to univer¬sity level. The percentage of those who chose the compulsion level for girls is greatest when it is compared with percentage of those who chose other levels. There is a marked difference in occupational choice for their sons between Buddhists and Catholics. The Buddhists prefer their Sons to choose government service and the reasons given are that such an occupation provides stable, secure future and pensions. The other occupation chosen nearly as much as the former is either military officer or policemen as this occupation provides prestige. The Catholics prefer their sons to become skilled workers (mechanics, carppenters etc.) The second choice is medicine« They believe that these occupations provide good income. There is no difference in occupational choice for girls between Buddhists and Catholics. Teaching career is the occupation most chosen by both religious groups. How¬ever the reasons given by both groups in choosing this occupation are slightly different The consensus between them is that being a teacher the girl need not be away from home. Other reasons significant to the Buddhists are an opportunity to be helpful to others, an opportunity to use brain, and that it is light work. The other reason given by the Catholics is suitability for girls' character. Teaching career is the most favourite for girls' of both the Buddhists and Catholics. of every age group, educational level, income level and both sex groups.