Dramatic social changes have restructured virtually all aspects of Vietnam
society. Although the economic consequences of these changes are well
documented, little is known about how family roles and relationships have
been affected. Because social and cultural contexts powerfully shape conceptions
of parenting, the accelerated rate of social change in Vietnam may have
reconfigured notions of fatherhood and fathering. Through increased globalization,
Western notions of the modern, involved father and these more egalitarian
views of household relationships may indicate a more involved father
in Vietnam today. However, Vietnam’s strong Confucian heritage, its kinship
structure, and its unique history could limit the adoption of fathers as equal
co-parents. This article examines changes over time in attitudes toward the
father role and the extent of father involvement.