Shaping shadows: influences of different forms of capital on private supplementary tutoring in Myanmar

Private supplementary tutoring, widely described as shadow education in the academic literature, takes place outside regular school hours. It is widespread across the globe, but with diverse structures. Drawing on insights from Myanmar, this article examines how different forms of capital shape tutoring demand and supply. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study was conducted in Mandalay Region and Chin State. Survey data were collected from 1,366 students and 97 teachers, and interviews were conducted with 110 Grade 11 students, 34 high school teachers, 30 parents, 29 tutoring providers, and two private school owners. The article highlights economic, cultural and social capital, noting distinctive features in Myanmar but also commonalities with other societies. The article contributes to conceptual understanding of the forces that shape private tutoring in different settings.