The comparison between Thailand Cultural Values and Korea Cultural Values
A culture's values are its ideas about what is good, right, fair, and just. Sociologists disagree, however, on how to conceptualize values. Conflict theory focuses on how values differ between groups within a culture, while functionalism focuses on the shared values within a culture.
1.1 Thailand Cultural Values
The “waii” is both a sign of respect as well as a greeting. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both hands. That may be made while sitting, walking, or standing. Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. With around 95% of the country is Buddhist, the belief system and values of Buddhism play a huge role in day-to-day life. Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being. The family is the cornerstone of Thai society. Family life is often more closely knit than in western cultures. Thais respect hierarchical relationships. Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.
1.2 Korea Cultural Values
Although the Korean state is divided into two different countries, traditional culture and customs are shared by both the countries. Music, dance, painting, literature and crafts are important parts of the Korean culture. Korea was a single country on the world map but political unrest resulted in a division of the region into two countries with different political ideologies. However, culture and traditional values of the region still bind these two countries with each other. The Korean language is spoken in both the countries and a similar family system is followed in both countries. Globalization has made certain changes to the family patterns and social structure, predominantly in South Korea because of its flexible policies, which is not the case with North Korean politics. As good and old habits die hard, both the Korean countries are still deep rooted in their culture and traditions. Influenced by the philosophical brilliance of Confucius, Koreans believe in family, community and society, unlike western ideology of individualism. Family is the most important part of Korean society and they lead a family oriented life where the father is the head of the family. Families following Confucius and his teachings firmly believe that the father must take care of the health, shelter, food and marriage of his family members. Hierarchical structure is evident in a conventional Korean family. The eldest son will help his father in all the family matters, must obey his father and follow his decisions. The old school says that womenfolk must not indulge in decision making and only males must handle the external affairs. However, this thinking pattern is changing with time as more and more women are emerging as leaders, business executives and teachers. Individual dreams and needs are secondary and family welfare is the first and foremost goal of every family member. Confucius and his teachings have a deep impact on Koreans and that's why they believe in duty, loyalty, honor and sincerity. Buddhism is the main religion in Korea and its teachings reflect in Korean lifestyle, culture and arts. Numerous Buddhist statues, monuments and temples have been included in the National Treasure and Monument list by the government. Manja, the Korean version of the Swastika, is major symbol of Korean Buddhism and it can be seen outside temples and religious places in Korea.