Vietnamese's Social Life - A Brief Intro

In North America, Europe, and Australia, friendliness is often perceived as the cornerstone of interpersonal relationships. In contrast, Vietnam places a greater emphasis on respect. Whether the relationship is among family members, colleagues at work, or teachers and students in schools, respect is the foundation of connections within Vietnamese society. This principle is evident in the language used daily by Vietnamese people. Various personal pronouns are employed during communication to demonstrate mutual respect. For instance, rather than using first names, individuals refer to one another based on age or relationship with terms such as "dad," "professor," "uncle," and "sister."
Photo: @voxss.vii

Confucianism continues to deeply influence societal norms in Vietnam, with the value of family attachment—one of Confucianism's core tenets—shaping social and moral values. Relationships among family members, such as husband and wife, parents and children, and between the older and younger generations, as well as distant and close relatives, are central to social interactions. These values are passed down through generations, reinforcing familial bonds.

In Vietnam, age is regarded not as a burden but as an asset. The elderly are accorded the highest respect within society, irrespective of their education, social status, or financial means. Additionally, great respect is shown to teachers and healthcare professionals, regardless of their age, due to their significant contributions to society.
Photo: @dantri.com.vn

While Vietnam has historical ties to feudalism, it is gradually moving away from traditional patriarchal structures, where men have historically played more dominant roles in families, workplaces, and broader society. Women in Vietnam have made substantial progress in various sectors, demonstrating their capabilities and gradually challenging social conventions.