Access to Higher Education in Areas of Contested Authority: The Case of Karen Students in the KNU-Controlled Areas in Myanmar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

The chapter explores the theme of equity and justice in the context of ethnic minority groups in Myanmar and focuses on the case of access to higher education in Karen National Union (KNU)-controlled areas. In so doing, it analyzes how competition between the KNU and the central Burmese government pre-coup affected inclusion and exclusion. As a result of the power struggles between KNU and the then central Burmese government, students in KNU-controlled areas are found to have very limited and perhaps even less access to higher education than those who grow up as refugees and migrants in Thailand. This significantly affects the human resources among KNU and the wider Karen population, which is crucial for the success of a future federal governance system and peace in Myanmar. More so, it has severe impacts for young Karens' well-being. However, there is a large gap in understanding and supporting access to higher education for Myanmar's ethnic minority groups.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducation and Power in Contemporary Southeast Asia
Number of pages16
PublisherRoutledge
Publication date2023
Pages45-60
ISBN (Print)9781032501666
ISBN (Electronic)9781003397144
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 selection and editorial matter, Azmil Tayeb, Rosalie Metro and Will Brehm; individual chapters, the contributors.

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