The Patterns of Social Interaction and Integrative Mechanisms in Communities in the Northern Bangkok Extended Metropolitan Region: A Case Study of Pathumthani Province

Abstract

Social interaction refers to the communication among people within one particular area. This act can be recognized and done through simple talk or even through equipment that is commonly used these days, such as televisions, radios, telephones, and all kinds of transportation. Activities also help people to know and become a part of a community, by working and being involved in the same things, such as traditional community festivals, community development, and so on. These activities should be done continually as part of the system of social interaction. Social integrative mechanism means the existence of those who take part in running or working in a communication role, which leads to the interaction among people within a community; social control mechanisms such as laws and norms, organizations or groups within the community, including interest groups for economic or social benefit; communication, transportation, and meeting places such as a community centers. The definitions above are used to explain the patterns of social interaction and integrative mechanisms in communities in the northern Bangkok extended metropolitan region. Prachathipat, Klong-Song, Chiang-RakYai, and Pued-Udom in Pathumthani province were used as case studies. Research results reveal that communities in the northern Bangkok extended metropolitan region are transitioning from rural to urban type at different paces and to different degrees due to physical factors, i.e. , geographical setting, location, distance from the city, and accessibility. In addition, the differences are also due to socio-economic factors, i.e., age, sex, religion, educational level, occupation, income, and duration of stay of community residents, who are mostly comprised of two groups: old-timers and new-comers. In conclusion, three types of communities revealing different patterns of social interaction and integrative mechanisms are found in this area. The first type consists of communities exhibiting low-intensity land use, mostly as residential areas, located on agricultural land. Almost all of the residents are old-timers and have primary social interaction within the family and among friends. The level of social integration is high and integrative mechanisms are informal. The second type is communities with more intense and diverse land use than the first type. The old-timers in these communities begin to have "urban type" social interactions, with rather high levels of social integration through both formal and informal integrative mechanisms. The newcomers in these communities engage in "urban type" social interactions just to gain convenience and safety in living and working. The third are communities with highly intense and diverse activities and land use. Among old-timers in these communities, there is almost no trace of "rural type " social interaction, while integrative mechanisms are both formal and informal. Among newcomers, social interaction is the same as in the second type of community with a low level of integration and mostly formal integrative mechanisms.