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Vietnam society is a hierarchical governance. Confucian norms of five relationships control the society. The relationships are son to father, wife to husband, the subject to ruler, younger brother to elder brother and finally mutual respect. The patriarchal family structure is at the center of the society. The joint families include four generations. The women play a subordinate role while all the important decisions are taken by the men.
Vietnam society was divided into four parts in the ancient ages according to the education and occupation. The groups are scholar-officials, merchants, farmers and artisans. The ruler was the head of the society. The scholars were appointed after passing imperial civil service examinations in Chinese philosophy and literature. The mandarins control the social and political power.
The social structure of Vietnam underwent a massive change with the introduction of Buddhism, which helped people to overcome the restrictions led by Confucianism. It became a way of transcending social limitations. They started sharing a feeling of brotherhood and started believing in equality.
The society of Vietnam transformed during the French imposition in the 19th century. Western education, urbanization and industrialization were introduced. People started practicing commercial agriculture as well. The elite replaced the imperial bureaucracy. Modern subjects like science and geography took the place of Confucian classics. But the modernization of the Vietnam society did not bring any change in the polite and modest attitude of the people.
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