At independence, the Shans, Karens, Kachins, Mons, Karennis and Chins all demanded their own state within a federation but were refused by the central government. A savage history, mainly of Burman repression of smaller groups, still plays a large part in the mistrust felt by the minorities for the Burman. Each group maintains a distinct cultural identity. While the Burman claim racial purity, in fact many of them are of mixed blood or ethnically Chinese. Family life in Burma is still based around the extended family.
Women have a prominent role, with access to education.
Many run or own businesses in their own right. However, top jobs in government are still held almost exclusively by men.