Changing social roles of men and women due to youth migration in modern Vietnam

Le Tuen Thi Thanh ORCID: 0000-0002-8584-7512 PhD in Sociology Lecturer; Department of Management Sciences; Thu Dau Mot University 100 Universitetskiy Ave., office 2-20 B, Volgograd Region, 400062, Russia tuyenltt@tdmu.edu.vn Other publications by this author

Introduction

Migration is a complex social phenomenon with far—reaching consequences for the economic, cultural and social aspects of a country. In Vietnam, internal and international labor migration has played and continues to play an important role in the process of socio-economic development. According to UNFPA (2020), migration affects not only those who migrate, but also those who stay, especially in terms of the restructuring of gender roles in families and societies^[1].

Internal migration mainly occurs from rural areas to cities, reflecting differences in employment opportunities and incomes between regions. Women make up a significant part of this migration flow, most of them work in the manufacturing industry, the clothing industry, the service sector and manual labor. Men, although also involved in labor migration, tend to choose harder jobs such as construction, mechanics, and sea fishing^[2]. In addition to internal migration, international migration has also become a common phenomenon. Many Vietnamese workers, especially women, participate in labor export programs in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. This leads to a redistribution of responsibilities in the family, as women become the main breadwinners and money senders home, while men or other relatives are forced to take on the role of housewives and take care of children^[3].

Research on migration and gender roles in Vietnam in recent years has shed light on many aspects of this phenomenon. Belanger and Lin (2011) emphasize that internal migration has contributed to changes in traditional family structures, as women increasingly participate in the urban workforce, contributing to increased economic power and social roles. On the contrary, men who stay at home have to adapt to new roles, including caring for children and doing household chores^[4]. Research by Hoang and Yeo (2015) shows that international migration not only helps women increase their income, but also strengthens their decision-making powers in the family and society. Migrant women send money to their families, making an important contribution to the local economy and at the same time changing social perceptions of gender roles^[5].

However, migration also entails many problems. The ILO (2021) notes that migrant women often face unfavorable working conditions, the risk of exploitation and the lack of basic social rights. This makes it urgently necessary to develop policies to protect and support migrant women in order to guarantee their rights and improve their living conditions^[6]. Lan and Lam (2019) also emphasized that the growing number of women migrating to large cities has changed the structure of rural society, contributing to the modernization of gender awareness. This affects not only individuals, but also communities, requiring cultural and social adaptation^[7].

Tran Thi Hong Minh and her research group (2021) also studied gender issues of internal migration and economic restructuring in Vietnam. The topic highlights that the majority of migrant workers, especially women, face many difficulties and problems, such as rent, which takes away most of their income, even if they live in dilapidated boarding houses with minimal amenities; high energy bills; lack of clean water; limited access to healthcare and medical services; Young children are forced to live far from their parents (they are sent to live with their grandparents in rural areas) or follow their parents to work in industrial parks and export processing areas where there are no qualified kindergartens and poor educational conditions... In particular, the opportunities for migrant workers in general and women migrant workers in particular to access social security services and public services are very limited, making their already difficult lives even more unstable and unstable^[8].

From an international perspective, some studies conducted in Russia also provide important information about gender roles in migration. Ivanov and Petrov (2017) noted that international migration from Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, had a major impact on family reorganization and gender roles, as women became the main workers and men became more involved in housework ^[9]. Makarova (2020) argues that migration is changing traditional social structures and creating problems for the sustainable development of migrant communities^[10]. In addition, Sokolov and Kuznetsova (2021) analyzed the changing social perceptions of gender roles in migrant communities, especially the growing importance of women in the world of work^[11]. Andreeva's research (2022) focuses on the difficulties faced by migrant women in host countries and suggests policy solutions to protect their rights^[12].

In addition, a study by Smirnova and Volkova (2023) analyzed the transitions of gender roles in families with migrants, emphasizing the importance of social support networks for the adaptation of these families^[13]. Fedorov (2023) noted that labor mobility in the Eurasian region has led to many changes in gender structures, contributing to the formation of new ideas about the social roles of women^[14]. Tikhonov (2024) believes that the development of an appropriate support policy is important to ensure inclusivity and reduce gender inequality in the context of migration^[15].

To summarize, the existing literature provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of migration on gender roles in Vietnam. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term impacts and develop appropriate policy solutions to ensure sustainable development and gender equality in the face of increasing migration.

Methodology and methods

This study is based on E.S. Lee's theories of migration (theory of attraction)^[16], Staufer's theory of the possibility of intervention^[17], Taylor's theory of migration networks^[18] and role theory^[19]. These theories help to analyze the causes of migration, the process of youth adaptation from rural areas to urban areas, and changes in gender roles. In addition, the theoretical basis of the article is domestic and foreign studies of rural communities in historical periods.

Research using quantitative and qualitative methods:

Quantitative method: using a questionnaire (N = 811) conducted from August to September 2024 in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bacleu province. The objects of the study were households in which young people migrated from rural areas to cities between the ages of 16 and 35. Among the 1,414 households in which young people migrated, the sample size was 811 households, which is 57.3% of the total number of households with migrants in the area. This method helps to assess the impact of youth migration on changing gender roles in rural communities.

Qualitative method: Conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews (N=20) in March 2025 with residents of Vintrachdong commune. The questions aim to clarify changes in work roles, family responsibilities, and social awareness of gender in the context of migration.

Research results and discussion

The impact of youth migration on the work roles of men and women

Migration is not only an economic phenomenon, but also has a profound impact on social structures, especially on gender roles in the family and in the labor market. According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, about 13.6% of Vietnam's population participates in internal migration, of which about 52% are women. Migration brings significant changes to the labor structure and economic responsibilities of men and women^[2].

Previously, men often took on the role of the main workers in the family, but the increase in the number of migrant women has changed this concept. The survey results show that 65% of migrant women are employed in the city in stable income-generating jobs, mainly in the garment industry, services and manufacturing. At the same time, 72% of men still dominate heavy jobs such as construction, mechanics or sea fishing. However, 40% have moved into non-traditional fields of activity such as customer service and information technology. Detailed interviews show that the migration process helps women gain greater financial independence and make a positive contribution to family income. Some respondents emphasized that migration has expanded their career opportunities and changed their economic status. This shift has significantly changed the traditional roles of men and women in the economy.

According to the results of an in-depth interview conducted in 2025 in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bakleu Province, "Working in the city gives my wife the opportunity to gain access to new knowledge, learn more skills and expand her social connections. She really became the main breadwinner in the family, because the money she transferred from her salary in the city helped my family pay for the children's education, take care of their health and save some money" (Man, 40 years old: 2025). Another opinion said, "My child decided to migrate because he wanted better career opportunities. In rural areas, the main activities are farming with unstable income and not many opportunities for advancement. When he moves to the city, he can work in industry and the service sector, earn a higher income and have the opportunity to learn new skills. In addition, the urban environment also helps him to become more mature and independent in life. In addition, he also wants to have better conditions for the maintenance of his family. He often confessed to me that if he stays in rural areas forever, it will be very difficult for him to build a reliable career, while in the city there are more opportunities to expand and develop himself. (Male, 60 years old: 2025).

Young migrants, especially those aged 18-30, tend to be more flexible in their career choices and are willing to explore new fields of activity. Young people are increasingly agreeing to work in the service sector or in offices, not limited to manual labor. Young women, on the contrary, not only participate in the formal labor market, but also actively engage in self-employment, increasing their level of financial independence. This shows that migration not only changes professional structures, but also leads to a gradual blurring of gender boundaries in the choice of professions.

While women leave home in search of work, men stay behind to take on more responsibilities in the family. Previously, women mainly took care of children and household management, but now men are forced to adapt to these responsibilities^[5]. In addition, financial pressures may also increase for non-migrant men, as they need to provide alternative sources of income if women are unable to send money transfers regularly. The results of an in-depth interview with her husband, whose wife emigrated, showed: "Previously, my wife worked in the kitchen, taught the children and took care of my elderly parents, while I mainly worked on the farm. When she left, all these responsibilities fell on me. I had to work to earn money, take care of the children and take care of the house. What my wife used to do well, now I have to learn to do, sometimes clumsily, and I can't handle everything. My life has completely changed, from a person who is used to working only on the street, now I have to do something that I have never done before. Sometimes I feel exhausted, but I still need to try for the sake of my children and family." (Man, 40 years old:2025).

Although migrant women are making an increasing contribution to the economy, they still face many challenges, such as unsafe working conditions, lower earnings compared to men in the same fields, and lack of career opportunities^[3]. This makes it imperative to develop policies to protect migrant workers, especially women. In many cases, migration helps women improve their economic and social status, but it also comes with certain pressures. Migrant women often face discrimination, lack of social support, and difficulties in balancing work and family responsibilities. In addition, upon returning home, they may face difficulties in reintegrating into society and family due to changes in perception and lifestyle after working away from home. One opinion obtained from an in-depth interview read as follows: "After the migration period, I noticed that my wife had a lot of changes in her outlook on life. Before, when she was still living in the village, she got used to the slow pace of life, everything was simpler and easier. But after moving to the city, she gradually became more realistic, learned how to spend wisely, and began to think more prudently both at work and in life. She learned to be independent, less dependent on others, and became stronger. However, I also felt that the pressure of work and the rapidly changing environment of her life did not allow her to devote as much time to her family as before. Sometimes I felt like she was pulling away, rarely sharing small stories like she used to. Besides, she also had a different outlook on life, on parenting, sometimes she didn't share my views like she used to. These changes have made me happy because she has become more mature, but I am also a little worried because the gap between us is getting bigger" (Man, 40 years old: 2025).

Overall, migration has significantly changed the work roles of men and women, contributing to the promotion of gender equality, but also creating many problems that need to be addressed through policy and social support.

The impact of youth migration on changes in the family responsibilities of men and women

Migration not only affects the structure of work, but also significantly changes the family responsibilities of both men and women. When a family member, especially a woman, migrates, family responsibilities are redistributed, changing traditional ideas about gender roles.

When men migrate, the remaining women have to take on more responsibilities, including financial management, agricultural production, and child care. On the contrary, when women migrate, they tend to become more independent and play an active role in making important family decisions. The absence of men forces women to take jobs that are traditionally considered male. At the same time, in some cases, the remaining men have to take on the traditional household responsibilities of women, contributing to the formation of new partnership models and facilitating the flexibility of gender roles.

The results of a study in Vinh Trach Dong commune in Bacleu province show that migration leads to positive changes in gender equality. According to the survey, 79% of respondents agreed that both migrants and those who stayed show caring and responsible attitude towards their families. This reflects the idea that migration is not only an economic necessity, but also an expression of concern and responsibility for the well-being of the family.

When one spouse migrates, the one who stays often has to take on a job that is not part of his or her traditional position. Although rural residents often hold conservative views on gender roles, the survey results show that 54.5% of respondents agree that husband and wife can replace each other in the family. This indicates a positive trend towards sharing responsibility and willingness to perform uncharacteristic social functions.

Qualitative data also show that gender stereotypes are gradually changing towards greater flexibility. When wives migrate, husbands are ready to take on housework, which they rarely did before. On the contrary, women who stay at home have more autonomy in economic and family matters when their husbands are away. One of the participants in the in-depth interview said, "My husband's migration has greatly changed the distribution of responsibilities in the family. He used to be the main breadwinner, doing hard work and helping to take care of the children. But since he left, I've had to take on all the responsibilities, from making money, taking care of the kids, doing housework, to helping my elderly parents. I feel a lot of pressure when I have to take care of everything myself. The previous job he did was renovation work. Home repairs, gardening, children's trips to school – all this falls on me. When my children are sick or there is some important business going on in the family, I feel helpless because there is no husband around to share. In addition, I also feel lonely mentally and sometimes very tired. There are times when I want to share and ask someone to help, but my husband is far away, so I can only cope on my own, this affects family relations" (Woman, 30 years old: 2025). Another opinion also said, "When my brother left, household chores were divided. I had to take on some additional work that he used to do, for example, helping my parents with farm work, repairing the house, solving serious family problems" (Man, 32 years old: 2025).

At the same time, 32.9% of respondents, or 1/3, disagree with the opinion that spouses should change, which indicates the problem of one person's willingness to perform the functions of an absent person. When women migrate in search of work, they not only change their economic status, but also affect the family structure. According to a UN Women study (2021), about 70% of migrant women send money home to support their families, helping to improve the standard of living and educational conditions of their children. However, the absence of a mother can negatively affect the psychological and emotional development of children. Some studies show that children in families with migrant mothers are more likely to experience learning difficulties and lack emotional care than in other families^[5]. One opinion from the results of the in-depth interview read: "My family has a more stable source of income because my wife sends money home every month. Thanks to this, I can take better care of my children's education and renovate the house. But in return, I have to take on more responsibilities, both making a living in rural areas and taking care of my children, which makes life more stressful. Although my income is better, the distance from my family sometimes makes me feel empty. My children also lack maternal care, which sometimes makes me worry about their psychological development" (Man, 40 years old: 2025).

When women migrate, men in the family, especially husbands or grandparents, have to take on more household chores such as child care, managing family expenses, and doing household chores. This differs from the traditional view of the role of men in Vietnamese families, where men are often the breadwinners of the family and rarely participate in housework^[6]. Some men have gradually adapted to this new role, but there are times when it is difficult for them to combine family and work responsibilities.

Prolonged migration can lead to changes in family structure and an increase in the number of "missing" families. This affects not only the relationship between husband and wife, but also the bond between parents and children. A number of studies have noted that in many cases, prolonged absence of a mother or father can lead to estrangement in family relationships and affect the development of children's personality.

In addition to changing family responsibilities, migration also creates psychological pressure for both men and women. Migrant women often feel pressure due to the fact that they cannot directly take care of their children, while men who stay at home may feel stress due to the need to take on the functions of breadwinner and housewife at the same time. In addition, in some cases, prolonged separation can lead to a split in marital relations and even to an increase in the number of divorces in migrant families.

The impact of youth migration on social participation and changing gender perceptions

Migration affects not only economic and family responsibilities, but also social participation and gender awareness in society. These changes are taking place in many ways, including the growth of women's economic power, new perceptions of men's roles, and changes in traditional notions of gender.

When women engage in migrant labor, they gain access to higher incomes and can make significant financial contributions to their families. This increases women's authority in household decision-making, including issues related to expenses, children's education, and long-term investments^[1]. In addition, migrant women also tend to participate more in social activities, improve their level of education and financial management skills.

As women leave to work, the remaining men have to take on family roles that were previously considered women's responsibilities, such as child care and housework. This changes traditional ideas about gender, helping men to have a more flexible view of gender roles and contributing to reducing gender inequality ^[5]. Some studies have shown that men in families with migrant wives tend to be more open to sharing household chores than in the past.

When a large number of workers migrate from one locality, the community in the place of origin also undergoes significant changes. Women who stay at home may have to take on additional social responsibilities, such as joining local groups or taking on leadership roles in the community. In areas where immigrants live, an increase in the number of migrant workers can also change the social structure and promote cultural integration between different population groups^[1].

Migration helps to broaden the horizons and perception of gender roles in society for both men and women. Migrants are often confronted with a new culture and way of thinking, which can affect their views on gender equality. According to a study by Hoang and Yeo (2015), many women return from abroad with a more independent mindset, demanding more rights in the family and society. Meanwhile, men are also gradually accepting changes in their traditional roles.

Despite many positive changes, migration also poses some challenges to public participation and gender identity. Migrant women may face discrimination in the workplace, while remaining men sometimes face social pressure due to the need to take on non-traditional family roles. In addition, the distance between family members can also lead to psychological problems and family conflicts.

Overall, migration plays an important role in changing perceptions and concepts of gender in Vietnamese society, contributing to the promotion of gender equality, but also creating many challenges that need to be addressed.

Policy recommendations and proposed solutions

Developing policies to support migrant workers, especially women

Improve working conditions: adopt strict labor protection regulations and monitor compliance with labor standards in enterprises employing migrant workers. Create hotlines to provide legal support and advice to migrant workers facing difficulties at work.

Ensure fair wages: apply the regional minimum wage policy for migrant workers, strictly monitor the timely and full payment of wages. Create a mechanism for transparent and prompt consideration of salary complaints and resolution of labor disputes.

Provision of social insurance services: Expansion of coverage and simplification of procedures for participation in social insurance for migrant workers, especially in health insurance and unemployment insurance. Strengthen propaganda so that migrant workers clearly understand their rights and responsibilities when participating in insurance.

Implementation of skills training and vocational guidance programs

Soft skills and professional training: Develop training programs that meet the needs of the labor market, especially digital skills, communication skills, and time management. To cover the costs of education and accommodation of migrant workers participating in vocational training courses.

Career advice: organization of professional orientation seminars, establishment of contacts with enterprises to create internship and employment opportunities. Create online platforms that will help migrant workers gain convenient and transparent access to job information.

Encourage the separation of family responsibilities between men and women

Information campaign: Implement mass communication programs to change gender stereotypes, emphasizing the equal role of men in family care. Encourage positive examples of sharing household chores between husband and wife.

Policy of encouraging shared responsibility: provide parental leave to both parents, encourage businesses to apply flexible working hours to help representatives of both sexes combine work and family.

Strengthening child care and psychosocial support services

Child care services: Expand the network of accessible public kindergartens, especially in industrial areas with a large number of migrant workers. Subsidize child care costs for low-income families and provide quality child care.

Psychosocial support: establish psychological counseling centers in areas with a large number of migrant workers and organize free counseling sessions to reduce psychological stress. Strengthen public activities to create a favorable and mutually beneficial environment.

Creation of community support networks in places with high migration rates

Support for those who remain: develop education and healthcare support programs for relatives of migrant workers. Create local volunteer groups and mutual aid groups to help those who remain at home adapt to the absence of loved ones.

Support for returning migrants: establishment of social reintegration support centers, provision of legal and psychological counseling services, as well as assistance in finding work for returning migrants. Encourage local businesses to create jobs for repatriated workers, helping them to stabilize their lives.

Conclusions

Migration has had a profound impact on gender roles in Vietnam, particularly changes in family responsibilities, work structures, and gender perceptions. These changes bring with them both opportunities and challenges, requiring supportive policies and solutions to ensure equal rights and development for both men and women in the context of modern society.

First, migration contributes to a change in the structure of work, expanding economic opportunities for women, but at the same time creates new inequalities in access to jobs and working conditions. Migrant women often take informal, low-paying jobs and are at higher risk of labor exploitation than men. Therefore, a policy is needed to protect migrant workers, especially women, in order to ensure their rights and safe working conditions.

Secondly, changes in family responsibilities have shaken traditional ideas about gender roles. Men are increasingly taking part in housework and child care as women migrate. This can help reduce gender inequality, but it also creates psychological and social pressure on men, especially in communities where traditional beliefs are still held. Family support policies and child care services need to be developed to help families adapt to these changes.

Thirdly, social perceptions of gender are gradually changing towards greater equality, especially in communities with high levels of migration. However, there are still many cultural and institutional barriers that need to be removed to promote equal participation of men and women in socio-economic life. Gender education, raising public awareness and integrating gender equality issues into migration policy are necessary solutions to ensure sustainable development.

In general, youth migration has a twofold impact on gender roles in Vietnam. In order to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of this process, coordination between Governments, non-governmental organizations and communities is needed in developing appropriate support policies. Migration can thus become an important driving force in promoting gender equality and sustainable social development.

^[1] Provided by the People's Committee of Vinh Trach Dong Commune, Bacleu Province.