The interaction between culture and economy in Vietnam

Abstract

"Historically, the Vietnamese state developed in an area along the Red River and within its delta. The need to protect the inhabitants of this land from dangerous Hoods gave rise to a 'hydraulic society', which was accompanied by a specific culture. Some of the features of this culture exist even today. Characteristic for Vietnam is an emphasis on formal education, which was 'inherited' from a past in which the passing of an examination was a precondition for acquiring a high Position in the state. Today, the Vietnamese culture is a supporting factor in the current development process in the country. Rigorous reform steps carried out since 1986 have transformed the Vietnamese socialist economy, which mainly followed the Soviet blueprint, into a market driven economy, which is governed by strong private incentives. On the one hand, some dominant cultural patterns support the functioning of the new capitalist system while, on the other hand, compensate for many of its weaknesses. As a consequence, a development process has been generated which has led to relatively high rates of economic growth. However, it is not without systemic risks." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Blien, U. & Phan thi Hong, V. (2015): The interaction between culture and economy in Vietnam. In: I. Artus, U. Blien, J. Holland & Phan thi Hong, Van (Hrsg.) (2015): Labour market and industrial relations in Vietnam, p. 23-58.