The probelm of social integration : a case study of Muslims in transitional Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract of thesis entitled “The Problem of Social Integration: A Case Study of Muslims in Transitional Myanmar” Submitted by Zaw Htet for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong in February 2019

Following the five decades of various forms of direct and indirect military rule, which ended in Myanmar in 2011, opportunities and challenges have arisen. One of the challenges has been communal conflict between Buddhists and Muslims, resulting from failure to integrate minorities in the country. This dissertation attempts to address the question: To what extent are Muslims integrated into contemporary Myanmar society, and how can their level of integration be explained? It is informed by social integration literature including theories of multiculturalism, assimilation and acculturation and the contact hypothesis. Findings of this research indicate that Muslims in Myanmar are heterogenous. Three groups are identified for the purpose of this research: Rohingya, Myanmar Muslims and Indian Muslims. Intra-group relationships between Muslims are conflictual as there is no consensus about how they want to integrate with a larger society even before the Buddhist ultranationalist movement came into being. Since then, Muslims have been framed as a threat to Buddhism, reinforcing the divide between the two communities. State policies, most of which focus on Burmanisation, have failed to address issues between the Buddhists and the Muslims. Most importantly, the citizenship issue, not only for Rohingya but also for Muslims in general, is yet to be resolved. Based on these findings, this dissertation suggests that, to address the citizenship issue, the Government should first deal with the prejudice prevalent within society. Segregation in education, employment and residence needs to be addressed as current policies and practices seem not to be working. In so doing, the Government should decide on whether to favour assimilation or multiculturalism. Assimilation, if chosen, should not be a total fusion of different cultural units.