Buddhist mythologies shape the worldview of people in Myanmar, where Buddhists are 89 per cent of the population. Generosity is one quality Myanmar Buddhists believe they should cultivate in themselves, and this belief originates in many religious and cultural sources. This is one main reason why Myanmar people can be very charitable. It may be justifiable to give away one’s possessions as long as the giver feels free to do so. However, when it is forced upon, it is no longer legitimate. Chronic poverty and social disparities in Myanmar are the results of the self-serving government and private sector creating political and economic structures designed to impose “forced giving” on people.