Description
Book SynopsisA historically-grounded examination of the dynamics of contemporary society in Vietnam - including cultural, political and economic dimensions. It focuses on dynamic tensions both within society and among societal forces, the state, and global capital.
Trade ReviewAn effective overview. . . . A worthwhile resource for specialists of postsocialist transition in other cultural regions. * CHOICE *
Very useful set of studies that emphasize, as the book's subtitle suggests, the dynamics of a society that is being transformed in virtually every way. * Asian Journal of Social Science *
Anthologies commonly contain a collection of conference papers of inconsistent quality and without a coherent theme or analytical focus. Hy V. Luong has edited a volume that avoids this unfortunate pattern. Nine excellent essays describe different examples of the social transformation underway in postwar Vietnam, and each demonstrates how the dynamic relationship between state and society governs this process. . . .Scholars conducting research on postwar Vietnam from a variety of different disciplinary perspectives, including history, anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science, will find this work to be of considerable value. Consistently well written, all the essays represent detailed information and thoughtful analysis. In addition, there are twenty-six tables and four figures scattered in the text, which provide useful economic and demographic statistics, as well as a good provincial map of Vietnam. . . .There is a comprehensive bibliography that lists both primary and secondary sources in English and Vietnamese, as well as a superb index. Instructors of graduate or advanced undergraduate courses on postwar Vietnam should consider assigning this anthology as required reading. -- James I. Matray * Journal of Asian Studies *
This volume has the societal consequences of Vietnam's transformation as its focus. In a stringent outline, state-society relations, regional and local inequalities, migration, the situation of ethnic minorities, environmental consequences, gender relations, religious practices and the role of intellectuals are analyzed. It is difficult to do any better. . . .Tells a fascinating tale. . .and is well researched. -- Albrecht Rothacher * Asia Europe Journal *
These ten chapters, written by a select group of seasoned and well-informed specialists, provide an insightful analysis of Vietnam's complex and rapidly evolving political, economic, social and cultural change. -- Geoffrey B. Hansworth * Pacific Affairs *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Postwar Vietnamese Society: An Overview of Transformational Dynamics Part 2 Authorities and the People: An Analysis of State-Society Relations in Vietnam Part 3 Economic Transition, Uneven Development, and the Impact of Reform on Regional Inequality Part 4 Wealth, Power, and Inequality in Vietnam: Global Market, the State, and Local Sociocultural Dynamics Part 5 State Visions, Migrant Decisions: Population Movements since the End of the Vietnam War Part 6 Upland Areas, Ethnic Minorities, and Development Part 7 Clean, Green, and Beautiful: Environment and Development under the Renovation Economy Part 8 Gender Relations: Ideologies, Kinship Practices, and Political Economy Part 9 Return to the Past? The Dynamics of Contemporary Religious and Ritual Transformation Part 10 A Passion for Modernity: Intellectuals and the Media
