Abstract:
The research of meaning evolution of physical appearance in Thai Society is aimed to study patterns and characteristics of physical appearance in Thai society appearing in Thai classical and contemporary literature, as well as to study changes in meaning and value of physical appearance in Thai Society. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on 28 Thai literature from BE 2411 to 2548, divided into six periods. The following results are found: 1.) Thai society in each period value components or elements of "physical appearance", and view the beauty and appropriateness of males' and females' physical appearance differently. For instance, every unit of physical appearance is counted in some periods, but only some specific parts are focused in other periods. It is found that face, eyes, size of figure, and complexion are mentioned the most while other parts are mentioned not so often, such as hands, arms, nails, make-up faces, set hair, etc. 2.) In every period, "physical appearance" plays amajor role in Thai society, but different roles are focused in each period. Its most distinguished role is to identify an individual's social class, family background, status, and occupation. Besides, physical appearance is considered as great property, especially for women, as public sphere of identifying self-concept, as reflection of one's expectation towards the society he or she belongs to, and the reflection of what society call from him or her, as can important tool in creating good things to oneself and to the public as a whole, etc. 3.) Social, economic, political, and cultural influences determine value and the interpretation of physical appearance meaning, so in each period people give importance to different physical structure. Before B.E. 2468, the periods which still strongly focus on traditional sex roles, "beautiful" and "hard-working" women by the role of a wife and mother, and "strong" men by the role of a leader are highly valued. After political reform to democracy and cultural changes,such values are replaced by physical features that present "competence", such as quickness, modernity, healthiness, etc. Differences in physical structure because of sex are not so emphasized as in the past.