Confucianism Perspective on the Position of Women in Society and the Impact of that Perspective on Gender Equality in Vietnam Today

Abstract

In the 21st century, we try to understand how the roles of men and women have been changed in Vietnam that has firm beliefs of Confucianism in the society. Confucianism in Vietnam instills the concept of male superiority over women. Although the laws in the country establish women’s rights, the norms and practices of society still engender male domination. Vietnam family norms promote the unity of the family while placing women in a subservient position, the traditional culture requires obedience to a father and then to a husband and sons. As per family norms, the power of family decisions also remains with husbands. Men keep contact politically and socially at village meetings and exchange the use of resources and production. With the increase of women taking greater productive roles and earn income, their involvement in decision-making also increases. Due to increased women’s education, female power within the family has also increased. Over that last three decades (Starting in 1986, Vietnam carried out the renovation of the country), these traditional views on gender roles influenced by Confucianism have changed drastically, although it is still looked down upon for women to work outside the house, it is slowly being accepted and almost 71.1% of the female population in Vietnam is actively participating the workforce (General Statistics Office of Vietnam, 2019). On the other hand, the male domination over the woman on the family has eased out, and many men do help out with household chores and looking after children while the woman works. Although this population is much lesser than the expectations, it is still a change from the Confucianism principles where the male remains dominant and authoritative. Although there are instances to prove that Vietnam is coming out of its traditional views on gender roles, it is still far behind concerning gender equality compared to globally desirable standards. It is expected that modernization will bring about the empowerment of women and a balance between men and women in both family and society.