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Political Change, Women’s Rights, and Public Opinion on Gender Equality in Myanmar

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  • Mala Htun

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Francesca R. Jensenius

    (University of Oslo
    Norwegian Institute of International Affairs)

Abstract

Myanmar’s introduction of competitive elections after decades of military rule raised expectations for progress in economic and social development, including in the area of women’s rights. In this paper, we draw on data from two national surveys, interviews, and existing qualitative studies to explore public opinion on women’s rights and gender equality. Do Burmese people support gender equality? How are their views on gender related to other aspects of political culture, such as traditional values and views toward authoritarianism and democracy? Our objective is to gain better understanding of the opportunities and obstacles to egalitarian social change and democratic consolidation. Our analysis of survey data reveals that attitudes toward gender roles are conservative, traditional and anti-democratic beliefs are widespread, and these views are strongly associated. Our findings imply that tendencies in public opinion provide a resource for Burmese nationalist groups and politicians and an obstacle to activists seeking greater alignment with global norms on gender equality.

Suggested Citation

  • Mala Htun & Francesca R. Jensenius, 2020. "Political Change, Women’s Rights, and Public Opinion on Gender Equality in Myanmar," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(2), pages 457-481, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:32:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1057_s41287-020-00266-z
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-020-00266-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew J. Walton & Melyn McKay & Daw Khin Mar Mar Kyi, 2015. "Women and Myanmar's “Religious Protection Laws”," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 36-49, December.
    2. Melissa Crouch, 2015. "Constructing Religion by Law in Myanmar," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Dreze, Jean & Sen, Amartya, 2002. "India: Development and Participation," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199257492.
    4. Jacqueline Heinen & Stéphane Portet, 2010. "Reproductive Rights in Poland: when politicians fear the wrath of the Church," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(6), pages 1007-1021.
    5. Tharaphi Than, 2015. "Nationalism, Religion, and Violence: Old and New Wunthanu Movements in Myanmar," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 12-24, December.
    6. Shahra Razavi & Anne Jenichen, 2010. "The Unhappy Marriage of Religion and Politics: problems and pitfalls for gender equality," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(6), pages 833-850.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xia Ling & Yanhong Liu, 2023. "The Coordination of Environmental Protection and Female Discrimination Based on the Concept of Affirmative Action," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-10, February.
    2. Elin Bjarnegård, 2020. "Introduction: Development Challenges in Myanmar: Political Development and Politics of Development Intertwined," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(2), pages 255-273, April.

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