This study explores the role of female migrants in their family both in their hometown and in Ho Chi Minh City. It used the lenses of hegemonic masculinity which is an intersection with Vietnamese culture, in particular, Confucianism to explore the role in family of female migrants who live in rural areas and in other parts of Vietnam and go to Ho Chi Minh to earn money. By means of in-depth life story interviews with 15 female migrants, who work in the informal sector, the study discovered that the female migrants take heavy role in their family from the decision to migrate to how to fulfil their role in their house and their husband house. The research shows that as a female head-household, the main reason for my study participants migrating is family issues. Also, on the way to earn their living, due to gender norms and Vietnamese culture norms, my study participants' roles are not valued from both their private place and public space. That makes them feel loneliness, hopelessness and inferiority. These feelings and experiences can be contextualised within the context of hegemonic masculinity. The norms that are reproduced as part of this cultural matrix have dictated traditional rules to control women’s lives and their activities. Vietnamese cultural norms have also given the power to the males whose role in society and family is always high appreciated than that of a woman. Moreover, due to the influence of Confucianism, the participants believe that it is their fate. It is anticipated that based on a complete understanding of the roles of female migrants both in their family and society, policymakers may develop and implement appropriate multidimensional programs, with the aim of supporting women, especially vulnerable group, to improve their quality of life and enhance the role of gender equality.
Tạp chí khoa học Trường Đại học Cần Thơ
Lầu 4, Nhà Điều Hành, Khu II, đường 3/2, P. Xuân Khánh, Q. Ninh Kiều, TP. Cần Thơ
Điện thoại: (0292) 3 872 157; Email: tapchidhct@ctu.edu.vn
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