Brewing social capital: A case study of Thailand’s craft beer consumption community
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14695405
eISSN
17412900
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85205221491
Journal Title
Journal of Consumer Culture
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Consumer Culture (2024)
Suggested Citation
Sakdiyakorn M., Chirakranont R. Brewing social capital: A case study of Thailand’s craft beer consumption community. Journal of Consumer Culture (2024). doi:10.1177/14695405241286384 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/101542
Title
Brewing social capital: A case study of Thailand’s craft beer consumption community
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study explores the development of Thailand’s craft beer community through a sociological lens, focusing on social capital and power dynamics. Despite originating much later than Western craft beer movements, Thailand’s scene has evolved rapidly since 2012, shaped by unique socio-economic and regulatory contexts. The research reveals how the community transitioned from homebrewers to a complex network seeking cultural legitimacy. Using Putnam’s and Bourdieu’s theories, the study highlights social capital’s role in fostering both cooperation and competition. Privileged groups use networks for economic and symbolic gains, while intermediaries shape the movement. Gender dynamics affect women moderately compared to other contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred geographically close clusters and affinity groups, showcasing resilience amid regulatory challenges. These findings offer insights into craft beer consumption in non-Western contexts, stressing the importance of understanding social capital in emerging cultural industries.