Civil Society Action and Governance in Vietnam: Selected Findings from an Empirical Survey

Abstract

In this article, findings from 300 standardized interviews with representatives of Civic Organizations in Ho Chi Minh-City and Ha Noi are presented. Following a view of civil society as a specific mode of social action and interaction, data analysis unveils the existence of core dimensions of such action (respect, empathy/ sympathy, and the willingness to compromise and stick to agreed-upon rules), though the respective values of those dimensions vary strongly. Inseparably linked with such civil society action of whatever kind is consensus-seeking, an aversion to conflicts, and an affinity to synthesis. These attitudes and practices, dominating various Civic Organizations’ internal decision-making processes, represent elements of authoritarian political thinking in Civic Organizations’ leaders’ mindsets and courses of action. Combined, those characteristics make up civil society action “in Vietnamese colours”.

Exploring the influence of context in a community-based facilitation intervention focusing on neonatal health and survival in Vietnam: a qualitative study

“…A functioning collaboration, primarily between the local authorities, CHC heads, and representatives of other stakeholders such as the Women’s Union and the Youth Union, affected and fostered the activities of the MNHGs. In having a broad network at all administrative levels of Vietnamese society, members of these unions, particularly the representatives of the Women’s Union, are able to connect with local people and reach most women through communication campaigns [ 32 , 33 ]. Hence, by collaborating with these unions, the CHC staff could reach every woman in their commune, including disadvantaged groups and women living in remote areas.…”

Third Sector Governance in Asia: Tracing Hybridity

“…Uniquely in global terms, civil society cannot be understood as separate from the state (Nørlund, 2007), but rather an extension of it. Wischermann (2010) found, regarding 'internal decision-making processes, most if not all Vietnamese Civic Organizations' representatives' bodies of thought and practices disclose patterns of authoritarian political thinking' (p.35), matching the mode of rulership adopted by the Vietnam Communist Party.…”

Governance and Civil Society Action in Vietnam: Changing the Rules From Within—Potentials and Limits

“…From a theoretical point of view, most analyses of civil society in Vietnam (and elsewhere) are based on the premises of a domains‐based approach (Wischermann, 2010, pp. 5–9).…”

“…It is for these reasons that we follow a view of civil society based on the logic of action rather than a conceptualization based on the logic of domains (for the following, and a more comprehensive theoretical derivation of CSA, see Wischermann, 2010, pp. 9–13).…”

“…Contests that turn violent indicate a lack of conflict‐regulating structures within the state apparatus and insufficiently developed capabilities for solving conflicts without resorting to violence, in the state as well as in the societal sphere. Even more frequent are acts of gender‐related violence, which many Vietnamese still see as “normal” (Wischermann, 2010, p. 4). Finally, despite the government's laudable efforts in the area of public welfare, challenges ahead are enormous.…”