ABSTRACT
The Vietnamese economy has performed extraordinarily well by standard measures since 1990, following implementation of comprehensive reforms known as Doi Moi (Renovation). Yet questions have been raised about the gender effects of these reforms. For example, Tran Thi Que (1995:187), a highly respected gender specialist, wrote that since economic reform was initiated, there have been growing signs that the position of women is declining, especially in rural and remote areas; at the same time, Confucian views of gender inequality are returning. Rapid growth in Viet Nam has been accompanied by increased gender inequality as well as increased income inequality. Rising inequality is of even greater concern because Viet Nam is entering a new development phase marked by rapid international economic integration. At risk are poor households (many headed by single mothers) in rural and remote areas that are least able to cope with external shocks.
