The Nats Cult and Cultural Politics: Multiculturalism in Urbanizing Mandalay

Authors

  • Gritthee Srigate Faculty of Political Science, Ramkhamheang University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61462/cujss.v51i1.696

Keywords:

Nats cult, cultural politics, multiculturalism, cultural democracy, urbanizing Mandalay

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze multiculturalism and cultural democracy as evident in Nats (spirits) cult in Mandalay, Myanmar. The study found that there are many groups involved Nat cult, from those in the ruling classes to ordinary people. The ruling classes always used Nat cult to create cultural unity but sometimes tried to eradicate it thereby engaging in cultural violence. However, absolute cultural unity was never achieved. Rather, negotiation and accommodation became the norm. Eventually the area of Nat cult became a pluralistic one that allowed for differences, namely multiculturalism. This phenomenon thus becomes an important bastion against extremism and also serves as a basis for greater urbanization, development of democracy and the future in Myanmar.

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Published

06-09-2022

How to Cite

Srigate, Gritthee. 2022. “The Nats Cult and Cultural Politics: Multiculturalism in Urbanizing Mandalay”. Chulalongkorn University Journal of Social Sciences 51 (1). Bangkok, Thailand:147-68. https://doi.org/10.61462/cujss.v51i1.696.

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 1 (2021): January - June

Section

Research Articles

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