Money Consciousness and the Tendency to Violate the Five Precepts Among Thai Buddhists

Abstract

This study developed a money consciousness scale to test Thai Buddhists' tendency to violate the Buddhist Five Precepts. Eight hundred Thai Buddhists were asked if they would, for one million Baht, accept jobs that require them to violate the Buddhist Five Precepts. Money consciousness was found to influence their tendency to violate all Buddhist Five Precepts. Men were inclined to violate the precepts against killing and intoxicant consumption. Low-income respondents were more money conscious than high-income individuals. Money consciousness was a valid indicator of the tendency to commit unethical behavior.