Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to 1) analyze the social conditions in youth literature and 2) analyze the desired characteristics corresponding to the social conditions depicted in the 19 novels of Wan Kaew Youth Literature Award of B.E. 2555-2559. The study revealed that there were 9 aspects of social reflection appeared the novels as follows: culture, lifestyles, morals and ethics, conservation, politics, social problems, economy, education, and monarchy, respectively. As for the desired characteristics corresponding to the social conditions, 8 characteristics were found. They were avidity for learning, dedication and commitment to work, public-mindedness, self-discipline, living sufficiently, cherishing Thai nationalism, honesty and integrity, and love of nation, religion and the monarchy, respectively. Besides, it was found that there were 3 types of influence of social conditions affected the youth desired characteristics as follows. The first condition was educational disparity which was depicted when the narrative of youth literature presented the desired characteristics item no. 3, which is self discipline, and knowing ones duty: item no. 4, which is avidity for learning, attentive, and attempting to learn from both classroom and outside classroom environment: and item no. 6 dedication and commitment to work. The second condition was Thai wisdom conservation which was presented when the narrative of youth literature presented the desired characteristics item no. 7, which is cherishing Thai nationalism. The third condition was the public benefit. It was portrayed in the youth literature when it presented story corresponding with the desired characteristics item no. 8, which is public-mindness