The project’s chief investigator and RMIT’s Senior Lecturer, Dr Justin Battin stated, “Vietnam’s understanding and practice of gender roles and norms stems from a variety of influences and corresponding value systems, such as Mahāyāna Buddhism, Marxist-inspired socialism, and global neoliberalism”.
“While Vietnam is one of the few countries to utilise legislation and social programs in an effort to institutionalise gender equity at the macro, meso, and micro levels, numerous challenges remain. For instance, women in Vietnam are still widely expected to be the primary caregiver in the home and assume secondary earner status in both rural and urban contexts,” Dr Battin said.
The team’s findings show that while many new voices have arisen in recent years with the aim of transforming gender norms, they face significant resistance online, which proved to be a place where traditional gender norms and a preference for patriarchy were deeply entrenched and perpetuated.
The report’s principal author and RMIT’s Associate Lecturer, Vo Thi Diem Trang stated that “social media platforms, like Facebook, amplified the traditional gender norms and patriarchal preference that were already visible in the offline sphere”.
“The findings showed that any online-based discussions related to gender norms can also bring unnecessary debates and personal attacks,” Ms Trang said.
“The non-supporters (or detractors) of gender equality often perceived supporters of it as being selfish, ungrateful, and Westernised.”
The authors found, however, that supporters of gender equality were eagerly ready to defend their beliefs.
Moreover, they frequently took a diplomatic approach, rarely responding negatively, as they believed doing so would derail the core messages they were trying to send.
Rather, they used personal stories, materials from popular culture, and discussions about current events to show the positive impact of gender equality in everyday life. Although social media has illuminated the continuation of offline traditional norms and patriarchal attitudes, it has, at the same time, promoted progressive forces advocating for gender equality in the online sphere.
Responding to the white paper, Program Manager of Engagement in The Business School, RMIT Vietnam, Dr Vicki Little stated, “this important study shows how those underlying dynamics play out online, with detractors defending what they perceive to be their rightful territory through shaming, stigmatisation, and threats of violence”.
“We are reminded about what’s at stake when we let people behave badly, and provided with constructive approaches for policy makers, community organisers and programmers to encourage positive change,” Dr Little remarked.
“A happier, more peaceful and sustainable society requires every member to feel equally valued, and safe regardless of age, gender or socio-economic standing.”
Digital marketing student and proponent of gender equality, Dao Hung Khoa also expressed his thoughts on the report: “The findings certainly sadden me, seeing as how the online sphere and social media conversations can act as a perpetuator of restrictive gender norms. Yet, they also give me hope with the visible support for gender equality, especially among men”.
Nguyen Le Khanh Chi, an RMIT Professional Communication student with an interest in the role of kin-keeping in advertising, had this to say: “Vietnamese Women’s Day was first established to mark the milestone of founding the Vietnam Women’s Association, and soon it became a day to honour and appreciate Vietnamese women”.
“With an increase in the popularity of gender equality topics, days like this turn into an occasion where gender norms, stereotypes, and discrimination are dissected extensively, especially on social media. However, based on my observations and what was reported in the white paper, these discussions typically revolve around who takes responsibility for house chores or whether women should ask for gifts. These conversations illustrate the lack of a foundational understanding of gender equality,” Chi said.
“On Vietnamese Women’s Day, instead of just giving flowers or mentioning women online, let women have a space to share their own stories and be heard. Vietnamese Women’s Day is important and, to me, having the knowledge and opportunities to discuss these issues is a privilege. Meaningful dialogue and understanding are necessary so we can fulfill the purpose of this important day.”
A link to the report can be found here.
Story: Ha Hoang
Image: Adobe Stock: masthead_fidaolga, thumbnail_NUBEFY
