The theoretical framework for this study is based on the view that a conglomerate of factors is important for a successful integration process. In this specific context I will consider these factors connected to opportunities and constraints regarding the integration of the minority Akha people into the Thai society. The integration is crucial for Akha people´s social and economic development.
The model for the theoretical framework is formed as a pyramid. The reason for this choice is that the factors connected to the integration process are closely linked together and are
building on each other. However, these factors follow in different orders, depending on which groups to embrace. Thai authorities, civil society, non-governmental organizations and Akha people are all groups that may be included in a integration process, thus be a part of this model. In this model Thai authorities must be responsible for the steps that form the content in the pyramid to secure good integration for Akha people into the Thai society. The top of the pyramid is acceptance. The model shows that acceptance of Akha people from Thai
authorities is the starting point for their participation in the Thai society. Through
participation they may contribute in making changes in the Thai society all the way to laws and legislations.
Figure 3: Model of Theoretical Framework
Laws and legislations
Laws and legislations must be seen as the two most important factors forming the platform for a successful integration process. Relevant aspects regarding these topics are discussed in more detail in Chapter 3.2.1 and under Political factors in Chapter 5.1.1.
34 Socio-political and religious factors
The emphasis in this study is on socio-political and religious factors. Socio-political conditions, explained by political, economic, social and cultural factors, are normally recognised as important factors in any integration process and are often well elucidated. Religious factors, however, have been less prioritized and have scarcely been examined and explained. In this model, all steps are considered crucial to secure a comprehensive
integration process. An important premise of this present study is that personal faith and religious activities and practises affect people’s attitudes and behaviours, and that it is
important to study and document these processes (Bistandsaktuelt, 2010, ACT, 2008, Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, 2010). A well-functioning integration process should be attentive to local people’s faith and religious practises as this may result in a higher motivation and participation and thereby achieve better results than approaches which do not take these factors into consideration. The theoretical framework is based on the importance of socio-political and religious factors and the importance for authorities to arrange these factors so that a feasible integration for minority people into majority society is facilitated.
Empowerment
In an integration process of indigenous tribal people into a majority society, there will
certainly be issues that may create conflicts between the migrants and the authorities. Migrant tribal people naturally want the opportunity to create environments where they can protect, conserve and maintain their specific indigenous heritage, such as culture, language, and religion. Authorities, however, will often be more concerned with protecting existing culture and society than arrange for what they may consider to be unfamiliar and strange form of expressions. Consequently, there will be many issues for authorities to consider when creating their integration policies. The political management might in this regard profit from giving consideration and respect to indigenous peoples distinctive characteristics. Empowerment for Akha people is regarded to be an expected consequence from acceptable laws and legislation in combination with good socio-political and religious conditions. Empowerment is also an important and necessary mechanism for migratory people to develop interests in the
integration process.
Indigenous people, on the other hand, have to take responsibility for their own actions and involve themselves in all levels of the majority society. Without a successful integration in the Thai society, there is a risk for indigenous tribal people to loose their heritage and roots, and at the same time remain at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Without a proper integration tribal people will most certainly continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment and other problems raised by FAO (2002:viii).
Involvement
On the basis of adequate laws and legislation, reasonable socio-political and religious conditions and enforced empowerment, Thai authorities may foster involvement from tribal people.
Acceptance
Decent and engaged involvement from representative Akha people may change Thai people’s attitudes toward tribal people and view on integration. Acceptance is a key word in this concern. Other attitudes that are important and may be achieved in this integration process both among people in the majority society and the migrant minority people are respect, equality and consideration.
35 Participation
Participation from Akha people in the Thai society may be seen as a key factor for developing a good integration process. This theoretical model assesses that acceptance of Akha people from Thai authorities and ethnic Thai people are necessary. Acceptance will lead to increased involvement in the Thai society. Empowerment may be deduced from suitable laws and legislation in combination with acceptable socio-political and religious conditions. Empowerment for Akha people can also be achieved from acceptance and increased
involvement. Through empowerment, Akha people may be enabled to affect socio-political and religious conditions, and finally laws and legislation.
The theoretical framework for this research is consequently concerned with efforts from both the majority society and the minority people to build a feasible integration strategy that secures a social and economic development for Akha people.
36
4 Methodology
This chapter describes the different types of methods that were chosen for this research. The chapter is divided into two parts. The first part is a brief discussion about using quantitative or qualitative methods, while the second part describes the different methods that are chosen to form the methodology, and the reasons for the choices. It also includes procedures for data collection, analysis, process of findings and the most important challenges and limitations connected to the chosen methods.