Verliererinnen der Erneuerung? Die Situation von Frauen im ländlichen Vietnam

Abstract

Since the mid-1980s Vietnam has been undergoing a far-reaching transformation process. Up till now it is the economic indicators in particular that point to success of the reforms. Thus it is often overseen that the so called Doi Moi (the "Vietnamese version" of Perestroika) has led to severe social discrepancies. Close examination reveals a widening gap in affluence between urban and rural areas, as well as between women and men. Vietnamese women employed in agriculture still must be regarded as the weakest group within this process of change. Despite their extensive participation in the rural economy, women are partially excluded from the benefits of the reforms.
Especially in rural areas women suffer more than men from an increased burden of work, decline in their level of education, the deterioration of the health system as well as their limited access to financial and material resources. The re-orientation of the household economy as basic productive unit causes a revival of traditional attitudes and behaviour, mainly conditioned by Confucianism, which promotes the discrimination against women.