Ways of Consuming Raw Vegetable Side Dishes Amidst Social Changes: A study of Southerners in Hat Yai Municipality

Abstract

     The purpose of this study was to explore: ways of consuming raw vegetable side dishes, and changes in consumption of raw vegetable side dishes of southerners amidst social changes. The data of this qualitative study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 informants consisting of 15 primary informants grouped according to their age, and 10 secondary informants who were vegetable vendors in the market. In data analysis, the data were classified into the topics set for the study, interpreted, concluded, and presented by means of description.

The results of the study revealed that the ways southerners in Hat Yai Municipality consumed raw vegetable side dishes depended on the style of the family’s consumption of raw vegetable side dishes that affected the attitudes of the individuals in choosing the vegetables, and on the changing life style, for example, students moving from home to a dormitory or a rented house, being in a hurry when having meals, and lacking a vegetable planting area for vine plants that grow on fences. These factors affected the access to raw vegetable side dishes. However, the demand for raw vegetable side dishes has continued to exist from the past until the present.

In addition, amidst the present social changes, most consumers emphasize consumption on demand such as fast food which is only an additional choice of food that reflects the way of life that has changed from the past. Raw vegetable side dish consumption takes place at fewer meals than before but it is still the main side dish for southerners. However, the role of raw local vegetable side dishes firmly remains important to the way of life of southerners in Hat Yai Municipality.