People living in any society must mediate between two desires: to feel bonded to others ("connected") and to feel autonomous ("free"). Various resolutions of the dilemma are on offer, but none of them can truly overcome the contradiction. Burmese Buddhists are inclined to emphasize the need for autonomy, praising detachment as a goal, for males. Taking religious discourse as a commentary (witting or unwitting) on social relations, I ask what links we might see between Burmese idealization of monks, on the one hand, and on the other, attitudes toward attachment, gender, and prestige.

All are welcome

There will be drinks and the chance for a chat after the presentation

Contact: Head of Contemporary Ethnography, Nils Bubandt