Literature for Educating Women Appearing in the Periodical Titled Pratitinnabat Lae Jodmaihed: the Conceptual Development of Modern Housewives in the Reign of King Rama V

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to study the conceptual development of modern housewives appearing in Pratitinnabat Lae Jodmaihed, the first periodic publication in the Reign of King Rama V disseminating what was considered proper knowledge for female householders. The findings indicated that literature for educating women appearing in the above-mentioned periodical essentially provided knowledge on modern culinary skills, outlines of household management principles influenced by Western style approaches, as well as how to keep family members healthy while at home. These teachings exhibited in the journal significantly showed the concept of modern housewives that was developed from the concept of Mae Sri Ruan (she who graces the house; good housewives). It portrayed the usual expectation of modern Siamese society for women to assume the household responsibilities. Furthermore, in accordance with the urban culture and the progress of the country, a modern viewpoint in thought and knowledge was also evident. There were significant factors affecting the development of the concept of the modern housewives, including the influence of contents adopted from housekeeping manuals of Western countries, works based on traditional didactic literature for women, ideas concerning educational reform, the Siamese elite’s exposure to Western culture and knowledge for the sake of improving the kingdom, advances in medicine and new hygiene standards, thus building upon the value of women according to their traditional values.