Chapter 1

Introduction

Everyone shapes and is shaped by their identities.
Individuals have their own unique identities and groups in society are also formed around shared identities. Some people identify with majority groups in society and others identify with minority groups. This chapter considers the importance -- both among individuals and in society as a whole - of respect for minority groups. This chapter also identifies some important and common minority groups that often exist in a community or society.

Knowledge

In this chapter you will increase your understanding of:

How people shape their identities
The difference between majority and minority groups
The relationship between privilege and power
The components of social justice
Definitions of certain minority group

Skills

In this chapter you will increase your ability to:

Distinguish between and analyse different categories of identities
Provide definitions of different minority groups
Analyse the concept of taingyintha
Differentiate between two types of statelessness
Compare the medical and social models of disability
Use correct terminology when referring to members of SOGIE minority groups

Values

In this chapter you will reflect on:

Your own identities
The identities of others
The importance of self-identification
Your experiences of privilege
Minority groups in Myanmar
Some misconceptions and myths related to power, privilege and particular minority groups

Sections in this Chapter:

1.1 Majority and Minority
1.1.2 Majority and Minority Groups
1.1.3 Self Identification
1.1.4 Power and Privilege
1.1.5 Diversity, Pluralism and Social Justice

1.2 Categories of Minority Groups
1.2.1 Ethnic and Indigenous Minority Groups
Focus on Myanmar: The meanings of Taingyintha through history
Focus on Myanmar: The numbers and names of Taingyintha groups throughout history
1.2.2 Religious Minority Groups
Focus on Myanmar: Religions by Numbers
1.2.3 Stateless Persons
Focus on Myanmar: Statelessness on the Thai-Myanmar border
1.2.4 Persons with Disabilities
Focus on Myanmar: Persons with disabilities in Myanmar
1.2.5 SOGIE Minority Groups
Focus on Myanmar: SOGIE Minority Groups and Terms in Myanmar

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Introduction

Sections in this Chapter: