Gendered Spaces: Women in Burmese Society
Abstract
In many ways, historically and today, women of Burma hold a unique and enviable position. At home and in business activities, women in Burmese society compared to women in its two historically powerful neighbours, India and China, have greater legal rights (traditionally, equal to that of men) and enjoy a high degree of tolerance and independence. Yet, on the other hand, there is strong evidence of gender-specific cultural practices that undermine this apparent equality. This is sanctioned by the Buddhist religion, of which the paper provides an insightful view of; of Theravada Buddhism’s influence on gender divisions and how these divisions are expressed and the boundaries defined in private and public spaces.
Keywords
Juxtaposition of equity and inequity, Geographic space, Theravada Buddhist societies, concept of hpon, Spatial division, Spiritual hierarchy
Author Biography
Than Than Nwe
Than Than Nwe is a lecturer in Geography in the School of Humanities at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Her research interests are concerned with issues related to Cultural Geography, Gender and Urban studies. Than Than was born in Mayanna (Burma) and while her research interests are situated in that area, she has also published in the area of ethnic communities in regional Australia. She was a foundation member of the (former) Gender in Asia Group at CQU and has delivered papers and workshops at seminars and conferences.