Abstract:
This thesis aims to study changes in human life due to the transformation of Thailand from an agrarian community to an urban society as appeared in the literary works of Uthis Haemamool through the concepts of development policy, capitalism and consumerism. The study has found that his works elicit unequal development between rural and urban areas, leading to migration. Capitalism has instigated people to hoard their capital in order to retain power in social negotiation. This is also related to the generation of the father figures role, by way of patriarchal forces. Capitalism has also changed the traditions that regulate gender and sexuality. Female conditions, which were hinged on the private domain as they were expected to attend to domestic works, are increasingly affected as a greater number of women now work outside along with their male counterparts. Male and female sexuality, however, is still deeply regulated by heteronormative norms, which repress the formation of same-sex relationships. In addition, capitalism has also turned Thailands urban areas into a center of economic prosperity, whilst retaining hidden corners characterized as marginalized. In this light, capitalism has shaped the urbanites individualist mindset and lifestyle. Capitalism has also generated patriarchal forces in the family, as it shapes the role of the father figure, even though this role is increasingly limited. These patriarchal forces that have long regulated heteronormative norms in gender and sexuality are also increasingly challenged and sexuality outside these norms, especially same-sex relationships, is more commonplace.