Rolling with the times?

Burma is a country in the middle of major political and social change. It’s a change that not only has the international community sitting on the edge of their seats, but has Burmese people at home and abroad holding their breath in anticipation. But, one section of society which is looking beyond the reform taking place around them, and the impact this may have, is Burma’s youth.

This is the view of ANU PhD student Jacqueline Menager, who is researching elite young people in Yangon and how they fit into Myanmar’s evolution.

Writing for the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, Jacqueline says that it’s partly to do with the fact that so many young people in Burma are marginalised or ignored by the state and politics.

It’s also because many young people are apathetic when it comes to politics.

From underground rappers to hard core skaters, Burma’s young counter culture might not be ready for momentous change.

As Jacqueline writes: “young people lament their situation, their poor education system, the low wages and high unemployment. But it is rare for them to engage with the government or to consider its role in their lives in any meaningful way.

“For the most part, they do not consider how the state can practically implement changes to the education system, healthcare infrastructure and economic opportunities. They have spent most of their lives avoiding the government rather than engaging it.”

Read the full article here.