Making Fields of Merit: Buddhist Female Ascetics and Gendered Orders in Thailand (Gendering Asia): Buddhist Female Ascetics and Gendered Orders in Thailand (Gendering Asia)

This unique ethnography addresses religion and gender through the lives and actions of Thai Buddhist nuns. Cover......Page 1 book title......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 14 1. Introduction......Page 18 2. Gender Orders and Gendering Renunciation......Page 40 3. Themes of Going Forth......Page 70 4. Transcending the Lay Realm......Page 98 5. Mae Chii Communitiesand the Making of a Mae Chii......Page 119 6. Gender and the Fields of Merit......Page 157 7. A Religious Field in Transition......Page 187 8. Mae Chiis’ Quest for Education......Page 210 9. Struggles for Legal Recognition......Page 244 10. Summary and Conclusions......Page 263 Glossary......Page 272 Bibliography......Page 280 Index......Page 294 Religion plays a central role in Thai society with Buddhism intertwined in the daily lives of the people. Religion also plays an important role in establishing gender boundaries. This study addresses religion and gender relations, analysing this through the lens of the lives, actions and role in Thai society of Buddhist nuns (mae chii).