Marital experiences of young married couples in Vietnam

Submission note: A thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce La Trobe University Bundoora".

This thesis investigates the meaning and practice of marriage among young couples living in Vietnam. The exposure to foreign cultures in the context of strengthening socio-cultural exchanges has led to concerns about the risks to the longevity and harmony of marriage that will accompany the de-traditionalisation and/or modernisation of marriage in Vietnam. Marriage in Vietnam is also said to be challenged by gender inequality arising from the influences of patriarchal values of Confucianism. By conducting in-depth interview with 30 young couples, the thesis explores the meaning of marriage and the construction of gender relationships including experiences of gender equality between 30 young Vietnamese married couples. The thesis argues that marriage remains important. While marriage is sometimes thought to be in decline in the West, the data suggest that young people in Vietnam today remain committed to marriage, which retains both symbolic and practical significance for individuals. The perceptions and expectations of young people reflect the continuing influence of Vietnamese norms that emphasise marriage as essential and the value of harmonious and enduring marital relationships. I also investigate the construction of gender relations between spouses. There are dilemmas reflected in the marriages of the young couples as they try to sustain and maintain enduring and harmonious marriages, while also wanting to fulfil some of the ideals of love, mutual disclosure and an egalitarian relationship. There remains a clear imbalance in their relationships, with wives more involved in managing chores, money, affection and conflict than men. However, the spousal relationships of young couples demonstrate an egalitarian ethos in the way they emphasise love and seek to share responsibilities in their marriage.