Exploring Ritual Practices and Cultural Identity Among Young Buddhists in Urban Areas

Thesis Abstract

Urban environments present unique contexts for religious practice and identity formation, particularly among young adherents of Buddhism who navigate the intersections of tradition and modernity. This study investigates the ritual practices and the cultivation of cultural identity among young Buddhists residing in metropolitan areas, aiming to deepen understanding of how globalization, urbanization, and socio-cultural changes influence religious expression and self-perception within this demographic. The specific objectives are to identify prevalent ritual practices among young urban Buddhists, examine the relationship between ritual participation and cultural identity, and explore the influence of socio-economic factors on religious engagement. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis. The population comprises young Buddhists aged 18-30 living in large metropolitan centers within the country, with a sample size of 400 participants for the quantitative component, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity across socio-economic backgrounds and Buddhist sectarian affiliations. The qualitative phase involves in-depth interviews with 25 participants chosen via purposive sampling from survey respondents who demonstrate varied ritual engagement levels. Data collection instruments include a structured questionnaire measuring ritual participation frequency, perceived cultural identity, and socio-demographic attributes, alongside semi-structured interview guides exploring personal interpretations of rituals and identity. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine predictors of cultural identity strength related to ritual practices. Thematic analysis will be employed for qualitative data, allowing for the identification of emergent themes related to ritual significance, identity negotiation, and urban influences. The theoretical underpinning draws from Durkheim's functionalist theory of religion, emphasizing the social functions of rituals, and the Relative Cultural Identity Theory, which explores identity fluidity and adaptation in multicultural settings. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal diverse ritual engagement patterns among young urban Buddhists, with higher ritual participation correlating positively with a stronger sense of cultural identity. The study expects to identify socio-economic variables, such as income level and access to Buddhist centers, as significant factors influencing ritual practice frequency. Additionally, qualitative insights are expected to highlight how rituals serve as means of cultural continuity amidst urban socioeconomic pressures and modern secular influences, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation. This research makes a significant contribution to knowledge by elucidating the complex relationship between ritual participation and cultural identity within a rapidly urbanizing Buddhist context, an area underrepresented in current religious studies. The findings will inform practitioners and policymakers about the importance of ritual activities in religious retention and cultural preservation among youth in urban settings. The main conclusion emphasizes that ritual practices remain vital for identity affirmation, despite evolving urban and social dynamics. Recommendations include developing accessible community-based ritual programs tailored for young Buddhists, integrating digital platforms for ritual dissemination, and fostering dialogues between traditional religious institutions and youth communities to strengthen cultural ties. Furthermore, the study suggests avenues for future research into intergenerational transmission of rituals and the impact of digital media on religious identity among young urban Buddhists.