Pia Maria Vogler , Linacre College, University of Oxford presented her research on Life course transitions, intergenerational relations and rural development in northern Thailand

1. „I feel well when I can help mother“ –
Life course transitions, intergenerational relations and
rural development in northern Thailand
Pia Maria Vogler
DPhil Linacre College, University of Oxford
Big Foot Conference:
Crossing Generations, Crossing Mountains
Vienna International Center
5-6 June 2013

2. Research setting
Chiang Mai Province

3. Huay Tong village

4. Research methods
• Participant observation
• Participatory research exercises with children of different ages and
gender (10-16)
– Mapping of village
– Seasonal calendars
– Life course time lines
• Ethnographic interviews
• Semi-structured interviews

5. Argument:
Through intergenerational learning Karen people participate to the
shaping of local and regional development processes
Outline:
1. Life course transitions as processes of intergenerational learning
2. Rural development processes impact on transitions
3. Life course aspirations and intergenerational relations

6. 1. Intergenerational learning structures childhood and youth
transitions
2. In a changing society, young people migrate for education and
professional experiences between highland villages and lowlands
3. In an insecure Thai labour market, intergenerational relations and
rural development projects are safety nets
4. For their transition to adulthood, young people return to rural
mountainous areas because of economic and socio-cultural
reasons
5. Young Karen adults share professional knowledge and experience
gained in the lowlands. Like this, they initate new processes of
intergenerational learning and participate to the shaping of rural
development processes
Research findings highlight that

7. Thai and Karen cultures encourage practical
learning at home and at school

8. Rice threshing and pounding
Contributing to the household economy

9. Preparing the evening meal Cleaning the family car
Sharing tasks and assisting elders …

10. Weaving Ploughing
Learning culturally valued tools and technologies

11. 2. Rural development processes impact on transitions
The Royal Agricultural Project

12. … rural development projects offer employment
In an insecure Thai labour market …

13. … young people return for economic and socio-cultural reasons
3. Transition to adulthood

14. … and initiating new processes of intergenerational learning
Learning a profession …

15. Thank you