Volunteer Performances and Funeral Services in Myanmar

Abstract

Volunteers as individuals and groups contribute to the process of community development by committing time and energy for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside or in addition to one's immediate family. In the 1990s, Myanmar has grown exponentially in grassroots social organizations including independent funeral services. Since then, philanthropy "parahita" has expanded across Myanmar. Volunteering is one of the main conduits through which the principles and values of community development can be implemented. Hence, the current study explores the services of volunteers working in free funeral service societies in urban areas from a wide range of volunteering. Qualitative research methods such as key informant interviews and participant observation were applied in the data collection. The findings show that voluntary performances can also be seen as a plural performance, as volunteers practice many different religions and belong to many different ethnic groups. The good will-led manners, words, and activities of volunteers have reduced grief and burden of the bereaved family members requiring the funeral arrangements. The accurate performances and goodwill-based manners and activities of the volunteers and the staff lead to the growth and success of free funeral service activities.  Therefore, volunteering in funeral services plays an important role and it has also been seen as an indication of citizen participation in the development of the country.