NEGOTIATING POWER AND CREATING NEW POLITICAL AND CULTURAL SYSTEMS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE AMONG THAI FACTORY WOMEN

Abstract

The article examines how Thai women in local communities, particularly factory workers, use music as a weapon in power negotiation through the analysis of musical events and cultural activities. The study concludes that music has become a vital platform for women to negotiate power and proclaim their identities in local contexts, reflecting the changing social and economic positions of women in communities. It bases its conclusion on theoretical frameworks of social space and common modes of resistance. In addition to being amusing, musical concerts serve as new social spaces that subvert established power systems and capitalist cultural dominance. The results highlight the importance of supporting Thai women's cultural spaces in local communities and recognising music as a vehicle for empowerment and social transformation.