15 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on the Changes of Women’s Role in Vietnamese Society
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If you are tasked with writing a compare and contrast essay on the changes in women’s roles within Vietnamese society, there are many angles to explore. Selecting a topic that resonates with you will make research and writing easier and more engaging. A compelling essay should highlight key issues while contrasting these roles across different periods, regions, ethnic groups, or with other societies.
15 Key Facts on Women’s Changing Roles in Vietnam
- Education and Public Sector Representation
Women in Vietnam now hold positions in higher education, the public sector, and non-government organizations. Despite the persistence of a glass ceiling, leadership opportunities are expanding. - Freedom of Movement
Women in urban areas have greater freedom to travel, interact, and dress as they choose, compared to previous restrictions. - Workforce Participation
Women contribute to 50% of the labor force, especially in industries like footwear, garments, and electronics. - Migration and Business Opportunities
Many women have migrated from rural areas to urban factories. Recent trade liberalization has enabled more women to start businesses. - Health, Economy, and Education Gaps
While disparities remain, gaps in health, economic participation, and education have significantly narrowed over the years. - Income and Employment
About 60% of adult women are economically active. Their average wages are 85-90% of men’s earnings, though poverty and health challenges remain higher among women. - Rural vs. Urban Disparities
Urban women experience more advancements, while rural and ethnic minority women still face considerable gender gaps. - Access to Credit and Financial Inclusion
New banking reforms allow both men and women to secure business loans, improving women’s entrepreneurship opportunities. - Trade and Business Support
Although trade presents opportunities, businesses owned by women lack targeted support, limiting their expansion. - Technical Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Local business associations provide training, but a national support system for female business owners is still lacking. - Labor Conditions and Discrimination
Job opportunities vary based on geography, ethnicity, and economic sector. Rural women lack political representation and labor unions, affecting their work conditions. - Vietnam’s WTO Membership
Vietnam’s participation in the World Trade Organization provides global trade access, though leadership roles in trade ministries remain male-dominated. - Gender Disparity in Business Ownership
Female-owned businesses often lack visibility in government records, making it difficult to assess policy effectiveness. - Legal Rights and Dispute Resolution
While gender equality is a legal principle, few women utilize formal dispute resolution due to cultural barriers and lack of contracts in businesses. - Entrepreneurship in Urban vs. Rural Areas
Two-thirds of urban enterprises and nearly three-quarters of rural businesses are women-led, though rural women have limited access to legal and financial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How have women’s roles in Vietnam changed over time?
Women in Vietnam have transitioned from traditional family roles to prominent positions in education, business, and politics, although disparities remain.
What challenges do women in rural Vietnam face compared to urban women?
Rural women often have less access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, facing greater economic and social barriers than their urban counterparts.
How does Vietnam support female entrepreneurs?
Recent banking reforms allow women access to credit, though targeted government support for female-led businesses remains limited.
What impact has Vietnam’s WTO membership had on women?
WTO participation has opened global trade opportunities, though leadership in trade and economic sectors remains male-dominated.
What are the main gender equality challenges in Vietnam today?
While legal rights exist, social and economic barriers, particularly in rural and ethnic minority communities, continue to limit gender equality.
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Conclusion
Women’s roles in Vietnam have evolved significantly, with greater participation in education, the workforce, and entrepreneurship. However, disparities between rural and urban women, and systemic gender inequalities, remain challenges that need further policy intervention and social progress.
References
- Bankston III, C. L. (1995). Gender roles and scholastic performance among adolescent Vietnamese women: The paradox of ethnic patriarchy. Sociological Focus, 28(2), 161-176.
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- Dasgupta, S. D. (1998). Gender roles and cultural continuity in the Asian Indian immigrant community in the US. Sex Roles, 38(11-12), 953-974.
- Nghe, L. T., Mahalik, J. R., & Lowe, S. M. (2003). Influences on Vietnamese men: Examining traditional gender roles, the refugee experience, acculturation, and racism in the United States. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 31(4), 245-261.
- Knodel, J., et al. (2004). Gender roles in the family: Change and stability in Vietnam.
- Nguyen, T. Q. T. (2015). Gender discrimination in the way the Vietnamese talk about face thê diện: Results from interviews with Vietnamese teachers. Qualitative Research Journal, 15(2), 147-154.
- Zhou, M., & Bankston, C. L. (2001). Family pressure and the educational experience of the daughters of Vietnamese refugees. International Migration, 39(4), 133-151.
