Migration in Vietnam: Social Integration and Cultural Continuity from Interdisciplinary Approaches in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

A training program co-organized by the Harvard-Yenching Institute and The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University in HCMC (USSH-VNU HCM)

Held at the The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University HCMC In July, 2022.

More information on this program, including how to apply (deadline May 15, 2022)

Migration is one of the crucial dimensions in socioeconomic development all over the world, including Vietnam. Migration movement has continuously accelerated in terms of magnitude and destinations which create both opportunities and challenges locally, nationally, regionally and globally. Vietnam has also witnessed multiple waves of rural-urban and transnational migration under various wars, developments and macro-economic reforms. Domestically, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the main receiving destination. While rural-urban migration has been predominant, transnational migration waves in and out of the country have proved to be increasingly significant in the context of Vietnam’s integration into the global economy. It is noteworthy that Vietnam serves both as a sending and receiving country for transnational migrants.

Migration in Vietnam raises issues that are of great interest to many anthropological studies. At receiving destinations, the issues of social integration of migrants, their cultural and religious practices in the new environment, the creation of their nuclear families and children’s education, the continuity of the relationship with their kinsmen at home and gender negotiation are highlighted. At the same time, at sending localities, the problems of left-behind elders and sent-back-home children, the shift in the practice of filial piety, social responsibilities and duties are essential for social scientists to begin to explore in order to comprehend this contemporary human movement.

Hitherto, research on migration in Vietnam has focused on economic impacts while social aspects of migration and gender negotiations proves to be of lesser interest and even overlooked. The diversity of issues calls for interdisciplinary approaches that enrich and extend anthropological practice. Therefore, there is a need to introduce, develop and foster interdisciplinary approaches to domestic rural-urban and transnational migration studies in general and in Vietnam in particular. In order to do this, updated theories and methodologies related to migration studies including social

integration and cultural continuity of migrants as well as left-behind kin will be important foundations for developing the discipline of anthropology and migration studies in/of Vietnam