Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study the backgrounds and factors of entrance into local politics of woman Chief Executives of Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAOs) and the administrative style of woman local leaders in all aspects of political, economic, and social development through the communitys participation including whether gender is a supportive factor or a threat to the performance of woman leaders. The case study composes of 3 female Chief Executives of SAOs from the See Suk SAO of Kang Sanam Nang District, and the Kok Kruad SAO and the Nong Krathum SAO of Mueang District in Nakhon Ratchasima. Qualitative data were collected through in-person interviews with three women Chief Executives of SAOs, participatory observation, and focus group interviews. The focus group consists of 36 persons. A qualitative analysis is used as an approach to the study. Findings from the research are as follows: 1. The relationship with local interest groups and politicians are key factors that encourage female leaders to enter into local politics. Being gender awareness, support from female networks in the election campaign and the owner of factors of production are important factors. 2. Local administration under woman leaders has caused many good changes in political, economic, and social aspects. For instance, public participation in laying down policies and solving communitys problems is promoted; people are free to choose what additional works they want to do and suit their skills; much attention have been paid on social welfare and the improvement of quality of life of communitys members especially children, women and elderly people rather than the development of economic factors. 3. Rather than being a threat, gender factor in the structural of gender, economic and family relationship supports the performance of woman Chief Executives of SAOs. As the result of these changes, female leaders are accepted and their performances are greatly satisfied by most of the people