การสร้างสัญญะทางสังคมผ่านเครื่องแต่งกายที่ปรากฏในละครโทรทัศน์ไทย

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze social construction of signs through the use of costumes of characters in six Thai television drama series shown on Channel 3 in 2015, including Kaewtawaanjai, Huajaipatapee, Phukongyodrak, Nangsaothongsoi, Tamrakkheunjai, and Plubpleungseechompoo. Based on semiotics theory by Ferdinand de Saussure, this study reveals that different costumes chosen by different characters are indicative of four social statuses identifiable in Thai society: 1) the urban millionaire 2) the rural millionaire 3) the middle class, and 4) the laborer. Moreover, four minor social statuses cloud also be identified including laborer of high class, laborer of urban millionaire, laborer of middle class and laborer in rural provinces. These social statuses are found to correspond to how he/she is dressed. The study also shows that the choice of costumes is determined by various factors including occupation, gender, age, and social class. Among these, social class and occupation of the character are the most significant factors. Characters of the high social class, who have high income are often clad in expensive, luxurious items, whereas characters belonging to the middle class and the working class and who have lower income are presented in simple and inexpensive outfits which are practical for their daily work. Given such social classes and income-based costuming, it is worth nothing that the display of costumes in television drama series is merely a myth, among others, which signifies a consumerist character of the Thai society, which usually finds comfort in stereotyping. Realistically, a mere use of costumes cannot entirely represent the social status of a person.