1. Women – Burma – Social conditions 2. Women – Burma – History 3. Power (Social sciences) – Sex differences – Burma This is the first book to explore the relationship between gender and power in Burmese history from precolonial times to the present day. A key aim is to identify the sources, nature and limitations of women's power in Burma throughout history and thereby offer a broad understanding of how power is obtained and exercised today. The book thus examines the concept of "family" in Burmese political culture, how various influences like Buddhism shaped Burmese concepts of gender and power, and how the effects of prolonged armed conflict, economic isolation and political oppression have constrained opportunities for women to attain power in contemporary Burma.