Single motherhood in contemporary Vietnam : a qualitative examination of social stigma, the need for schooling, and government support

Abstract

In the last three decades, an increase in the number of single mothers in Vietnam has attracted the attention of scholars. Researchers have largely focussed on difficulties faced by single mothers living in a society driven by patriarchal values, with limited support from the government. Few studies have considered the wider social, political, and cultural factors that may influence single mothers and their children, such as expectations placed upon them by their extended families, the role of government policies, or the activities of the Vietnamese Women’s Union (VWU). In response to the gap in literature, this qualitative study examines the lived experiences of a sample of single mothers in Northern Vietnam, with the secondary aim of providing a corroborated voice to staff members of local branches of the VWU. Using feminist standpoint theory and triangulation of research methods, it considers familial, societal, political, and cultural factors impacting the lives of single mothers and their children in Vietnam. The thesis aims to inform government and VWU policies, allowing these to address more effectively some of the challenges faced by the growing number of single mothers in Northern Vietnam. Findings show that single mothers and their children frequently encounter social stigma in Northern Vietnam, which can be largely attributed to the mothers’ single status (be they widowed, never married, or divorced). While the study’s research participants (single mothers) employ different strategies to cope with stigma, one attribute they have in common is striving to be self-sufficient and to provide well for their children. To this end, they invest large amounts of their time and income on their children’s education despite the mental, physical, and emotional toll these activities place on them personally. These mothers do so in anticipation that their “sacrifices” will result in better educational outcomes for their children, thereby improving their children’s social and economic status, and resulting in the children better supporting their mothers in old age. Participants report that support from the government and VWU is in many cases limited and does not always meet their needs. Consequently, single mother families commonly rely on their extended families for assistance. This assistance is often their primary form of support, and is typically financial, taking the form of housing and/or providing childcare.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English