Development of The Occupational Class and Community Welfare of Fishing Families Through Community Enterprise: A Case Study in Village 2, Ban Ao Nam, Krabi, Thailand

Abstract

This case study investigates how the occupational class of fishing families in Village 2, Ban Ao Nam, Krabi, Thailand might be developed through sustained community enterprise which, in turn, might promote their welfare. The description and analysis of occupational class development, community enterprise, and community welfare for the target sub-group is presented in light of the wider, global scale. The research uses the methodology of quantitative analysis of relevant literature and qualitative responses of participants in focus groups and interviews. Primary data gathering and analysis involved extensive literature searches; secondary data were derived from observation and interviews with the aid of closed and open-ended interview schedules, and during a focus group session. All findings are presented using basic statistics of means, frequency, and percentages. The content of data is analyzed and integrated through triangulation. In these processes, underpinnings of Albert Bandura’s efficacy postulations and John Holland’s vocational type theories are explored as they are considered applicable to occupational class development, community enterprise, and community welfare. The results of the study highlight the degree of influence that community enterprise could exert on the occupational class development of the target community within its geographical parameters, and the consequential welfare that this community gain. These results stress the positive impact that a unification of community enterprise action like proper management, policy, leadership, community engagement, networking, sustainability, learning, and adaptation would have on the occupational class development and welfare of the target sub-group. Given the general community perception of the occupation of fishing by families as low-ranking, and the study’s finding that overall support for exploration of the potential for class development of this sub-group was inadequate, the study’s primary recommendation is for the Thai government and private initiative to propagate the expansion of community enterprise for the class development and welfare of this occupation while supporting the target sub-group and the broader community in their own enterprise endeavors.