confucianism “three obediences and four virtues”...
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HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF POLITICS
NGUYEN THI VAN
CONFUCIANISM “THREE OBEDIENCES ANDFOUR VIRTUES” THEORY AND ITS IMPACTS
ON VIETNAMESE WOMEN NOWADAYS
Major : CNDVBC & CNDVLS
Code : 62 22 80 05
Summary of doctoral thesis
HANOI - 2014
The work has been completed at Ho Chi Minh NationalAcademy of Politics
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. NGUYEN HUNG HAU
Defender No. 1:
Defender No. 2:
Defender No. 3:
The Thesis will be defended in front of Thesis Defense Committee at
Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics
At hour day month 2014
Further information: National Linbrary of Vietnam and Library of Ho ChiMinh National Academy of Politics
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INTRODUCTION1. RationaleConfucianism was born in Spring and Autumn- Warring States
Period. This is the most turbulent time with significant fluctuations inChinese history.In such context, Confucianismfollowers explained socialmatters and wished to find out the methods in order to bring the societyfrompolitical chaos to prosperity. One of those methods is human ethicseducation.
Human ethics education of Confucianismfocused on fundamentalcategories such as ThreeBonds (King-teacher-father), FivePrecepts(Diligence - Temperance - Dignity - Integrity - Fortitude), andlegitimacy theory. For women, the Confucianismeducated through ThreeObediences and Four Virtues.
Confucianism was brought to our country in the Chinese dominationof Vietnam. When Confucianism came into Vietnam, it was modified tosuit the the peaceful nature of the Vietnamese people. In the feudal period,Vietnam feudal class used Confucianismas a tool to establish the socialstability and order, and to maintain thedomination of ruling class. Amongethics contents of Confucianism, Three Obediences and Four Virtues werefundamental ethics education categories for women. This ideology affectedthe role, position, and life of Vietnamese women intensively. Besidespositive values, “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory had manynegative impacts, which bound Vietnamese women into the fedal norm,and limited the development of women. However along the history, “ThreeObediences and Four Virtues” theory still remains its values whichcontributes to the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women.
Nowadays, fedal socio-economic basis no longer exists; however,the Confucianismideology in general; “Three Obediences and FourVirtues” theory in particular still existsto a certain extent and affectsVietnamese women in both positive and negative sides. Its negativeimpacts are relected through male supremacyand marriage imposition …which are the reasons for family violence and gender inequality in ourcountry.
Thirty years after the Doi Moi (1986), our country gained manysignificant achievements in different fields, among which economicrenovation is the foundation. However, the Renovation of the VietnameseCommunist Party not only focuses on economic field but also oncomprehensive renovation, including the renovation of human and humanliberation. The Communist Party always considers the people as the most
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important factor, in which the women account for large proportion andplay an important role in families and the society. The renovation leads tochanges in evaluation criteria of the society and family towards the womenin order to meet new demands of the period. Nowadays, Vietnamesewomen must focus on comprehensive beauty andknowledge, be good atboth public and family matters, and participate in social activitiesactively...
If the rules and norms of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues”theory are used in an appropriate way, it will become an important factorto enhance the position and role of women in the Vietmanese modernsociety. It leads to the fact that it is necessary to study current status andimpacts of Confucianism “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theoryamong Vietnamese women nowadays in order to promote the positivevalues and to limit negative impacts on the women’sliberation.
From the theoritical and practical basis above, I choose the topic: "Confucianism“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory and its impactson Vietnamese women" for my dotoral thesis
2. Objectives and tasks of research thesis2.1. Research objectivesIn order to clarify main contents of Confucianism“Three Obediences
and Four Virtues” theory in China and Vietnam, analyze its impacts, thisthesis proposes some view points and measures to promote its positivevalues and to limit negative impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays.
2.2. Research tasks- To clarify basic contents of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues”
theory of Chinese confucianismand Vietnamese Confucianism.- To clarifu curent status of positive and negative impacts of
Confucianism “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory onVietnamese women in the past and nowadays.
- To propose some measures for promoting its positive values and tolimit negative impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays.
3. Research objects and scope of study3.1. Research objectsThe thesis focuses on clarifying some basic contents in
Confucianism“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory and its impactson Vietnamese women nowadays
3.2. Scope of study- The thesis focuses on studying the impacts of “Three Obediences
and Four Virtues” theory on Vietnamese women nowadays
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4. Theoritical basis and research methodology4.1. Theoritical basis- The thesis relies on the theoritical basis of Marxism and Leninism,
Ho Chi Minh’s Thoughts, guidlines and view points of the CommunistParty, and State policies on women.
- The thesis refers to classic works of Confucianismand previousresearches.
4.2. Research methodologyThe thesis uses the methodology of Marxism and Leninism, Ho Chi
Minh’s Thoughts; close combination of theories and practice, analysis,logics, history, statistics, comparision, and pratical summary...
5. Scientific contribution of the thesis- The thesis give an overview about basic contents of “Three
Obediences and Four Virtues” theory in ChineseConfucianismandVietnamese Confucianism.
- The thesis further analyzes the positive and negative impacts of“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory on Vietnamese womennowadays.
- From positive, negative impacts and contradictions that exist in realsocial issues, the thesis proposes some points of view and measures in orderto promote the positive values and to limit the negative impacts of “ThreeObediences and Four Virtues” theoryon Vietnamese women nowadays.
6. Theoritical and practical meanings of the thesis6.1. Theoritical meaningsThe thesis clarifies “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory of
Confucianismand its impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays.6.2. Practical meanings- The research results of this thesis may be used as reference for
planning and executing policieson women affairs by the Communist Partyand the State nowadays.
- The thesis many be used as reference for studying ConfucianisminVietnam, role, and position of Vietnamese women nowadays.
7. Structure of the thesisIn addition to the preamble, conclusion, and reference, this thesis is
consisted of 4 chapters, 11 sections.
Chapter 1OVERVIEW ON TOPIC-RELATED STUDIES
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1.1. Research work on Confucianism ethics and “ThreeObedience and Four Virtues” theory in Confucianism
Studies on Confucianism ethics in general and “Three Obediences andFour Virtues” theory in particular: Dao Duy Anh (1938), ConfucianismEssay Reviews,Quan Hai Tung Thu Publisher, Hue; Tran Trong Kim(2006), Confucianism,Culture and Information Publisher, Hanoi; Phan BoiChau (1998), Confucianism, Culture and Information Publisher, Hanoi;Quang Dam (1994),Confucianismin the past and nowadays, LiteraturePublisher, Hanoi; Tran Van Giau (1985),Traditional spiritual Value inVietnam, Social science Publisher, Hanoi; Quang Dam (1994),Confucianismin the past and nowadays, Literature Publisher, Hanoi; PhanDai Doan (1998), Some Confucianismissues in Vietnam,National PoliticalPublisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Dang Duy (1998), Confucianismand VietnameseCulture, Hanoi Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Hung Hau (2010), Introduction tophilosophy history in Vietnam,National Political Publisher, Hanoi; Vu NgocKhanh (1998), Vietnamese family culture, Ethnic Culture Publisher; VuKhieu (1991), Confucianismin the past and nowadays, Social sciencePublisher, Hanoi; Vu Khieu (1995), Confucianismand families, Socialscience Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Thi Nga - Ho Trong Hoai (2003),Confucianismconcept on human education, National Political Publisher,Hanoi.
1.2. Studies on “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory’simpacts on Vietnamese women nowadays
“Three obediences, four virtues” theory has considerably affectedVietnamese women nowadays. Therefore, there have had a number ofresearch works related to this matter. Typical examples for this are theworks of authors Phan Manh Toan (2011)Benevolence and propriety’seffects on the current ethical lives in Vietnam , Doctor of PhilosophyDissertation; Phan Huy Le – Vu Minh Giang (chief editor) (1994),Traditional values and Vietnamese people,Volume 2, State-level scienceand technology program KX 07, theme KX 07-02, Hanoi.
Tran Nguyen Viet (2002) is the author of writing titled "Vietnamesetraditional ethical values and ethical all-humankind universality in the marketeconomy”, Philosophical Journal, (5); Nguyen Tai Thu (2002) is the authorof writing titled "Confucianism and current industrialization andmodernization in Vietnam” , Philosophical Journal, (5); Le Thi Quy 1993) isthe author of writing titled “Confucianism and current family culture”,Cultural and Art Research Journal, (4-112); Le Van Quan (1997) is known as
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the author of writing titled "Lễ giáo Nho gia phong kiến curbing the currentdevelopment of Vietnamese women",Cultural and Art Journal, (01-151);Nguyen Thi Kim Loan(2003) is known as the author of writing titled"Confucianism and cultural behavior of Vietnamese common people in themarital relationship and family", Cultural and Art Journal, (04-226).
1.3. Research works specifying viewpoints and solutions for thepromotion of positive effects and limitation of negative effects by the“Three obediences, Four virtues” theory on Vietnamese presentwomen
Disseminating and educating quality and ethics of Vietnamese womenin the cause of national industrialization and modernization- Program 343,The Ministry of Education and Training; Hard-working, good appearance,well-spoken, well-behaved nowadays by Le Thi Bung, Nguyen Thi VanHuong ; Effects of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory on Vietnamesein ancient and present times- University-level scientific research theme byHoang Thi Thuan; Duong Thi Minh (2004) – University of Education , theBook titled “Vietnamese family and roles of women in present time”, NationalPolitical Publishing House, Hanoi; Le Minh(1997), the Book titled“Vietnamese women in the family and society”, Labor Publishing House; LeThi (2004), the Book titled “ Family, Vietnamese women and population,culture and sustainable development”, Social Science Publishing House,Hanoi; (2006).
The works has clarified basic categories and principles of theConfucianism: concepts and contents of the “three obediences, fourvirtues” theory in the development history of the Confucianism in Chinaand Confucianism in Vietnam; summarizing some traditional ethicalcharacteristics of Vietnamese people and specifying remains ofConfucianism ethics required to eliminate in the cause of buildingsocialism in Vietnam; demonstrating causes of feudal ethical remains andseveral orientations for eliminating its negative effects and promote itspositive effects on Vietnamese present women.
Nevertheless, there have not had any independent, systematic and in-depth works summarizing and analyzing the “three obediences, fourvirtues” theory and its positive and negative effects on Vietnamese women.Besides, there have not had any synchronizing and effective worksproposing viewpoints and solutions for the promotion of its positive effectsand limitation of its negative effects on Vietnamese people. This is a spacerequiring the author to continue studies and clarification.
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Chapter 2CONFUCIANISM-BASED “THREE OBEDIENCES, FOUR
VIRTUES” THEORY
2.1. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism inChina
2.1.1. Origin of Confucianism2.1.1.1. Socio-economic bases for the formation of ConfucianismConfucianism was founded at the Spring and Autumn and Warring
States period in China. It is considered as the period of the most changes.This period appeared a number of social conflicts making social orders beupsetted; therefore, it is required to build a new social model towards adisciplinary society. Moreover, it also marked the establishment anddevelopment of many philosophical schools including Confucianism. TheConfucianism founded is for establishing a feudalism-concentrated socialmanagement model
2.1.1.2. Political, cultural and ideological premises for the formationof Confucianism in China
The Confucianism was founded based on inheriting cultural andideological premises previously developed at the Spring and Autumn andWarring States period in China.
Firstly, cultural premises. In this period, China soundly developedinventions in a series of aspects like astronomy, mathematics, medicalscience and political ideologies.
Secondly, ideological premises are the ideologies related to religion,ethical thoughts of Zhou Dynasty. Zhou Dynasty highly appreciated thethoughts of “God-worship”, “reception of peoples”, “virtuous’, “dutiful”.These ideologies have affected the Confucian, as bases for building basiccategories over their theories such as Three bonds – Five Precepts, True name,Three obediences – Four virtues, etc.
2.1.1.3. Confucius- founder of the Confucianism theoryConfucius (551 - 479 B.C) is the founder of Confucianism. He often
travelled to of preach the methods of national governance. In the upsetsocio-economic situations of Zhou Dynasty, he founded the Confucianismtheory in the aim of directing human beings towards their true name.Thereby, a new society is disciplinary, peaceful and prosperous.
2.1.2. Positions of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory inConfucianism ethics in China and their relationship
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2.1.2.1. Position of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory inConfucianism ethics in China
Firstly, Confucianism focuses on building gentleman for socialruling, thereby not discussing women a lot. Nonetheless, “threeobediences, four virtues” theory was still mentioned when integrating itwith other categories such as three bonds, five precepts, true name.
Secondly, Confucianism considers family as a minimized society andsociety as an extended family; therefore, the “three obediences, fourvirtues” theory in the system of Confucianism ethics has been founded tostabilize social order.
Thirdly, underlying purpose of the “three obediences, four virtues”theory is for protecting status of the ruling class.
Fourthly, the “three obediences, four virtues” theory is the mostimportant standard, the most basic requirement of Confucianism ethicsover women. There is the integral relationship between them, helpingwomen possess a finished beauty under the Confucianism’s standards
2.1.2.2. Relationship between the “three obediences” theory and the“four virtues” theory over Confucianism in China
The similarity between the “three obediences” theory and the “fourvirtues” theory is rules and standards compulsory for women.
The differences between them are shown on scope and the mentionedsubject.
Three obediences (三從) were originated from Rituals and FuneralClothing. Tu Ha story wrote: 1. Submission to her father before her
marriage (在家從父): She must submit to her father before her marriage; 2.
Submission to her husband during her marriage (出嫁從夫): she must submitto her husband during her marriage; 3. Submission to her son when being
widowed (夫死從子): if her husband dies, she must submit to her son.
Four virtues includehard-working (婦功), good appearance (婦容),
well-spoken (婦言) and well-behaved (婦行):1. Hard working: She is clever for cooking and housework.
Nevertheless, jobs for ancient women include sewing, embroiling, cookingand trading work. A good woman possesses musical instrument playing,chess playing, poem composing and painting abilities.
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2. Good appearance: A woman must be affable, neat and respects heroutward appearance.
3. Well-spoken: Spoken words must be gentle and deliberate.4. Well-behaved: At home, she must be well-mannered, respects
older people and gives up to younger people, pampers her husband andloves her children, gets on with relatives of her husband’s family. In thesociety, she must be modest, mature and snobbish.
2.1.4. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory in the developmenthistory of Confucianism in China
2.1.4.1. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of primitiveConfucianism
Confucius and Mercius established the “three obediences, fourvirtues” theory to teach women. In terms of four virtues, Confuciusespecially appreciated the “virtue” of women. Virtue is the base ofHardworking- Good appearance- Well-spoken. In terms of virtues forparents, Confucius especially respects the dutifulness. Mercius alsorequested the women to “obey” their husband and human’s family.
2.1.4.2. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism inHan Dynasty
In late Warring States period, Qin Dynasty used “legal ruling” tounify and rule the country. Dong Trong Thu was the person makingconsiderable contributions to the restoration of Confucianism after“burning books and burying scholars” by Qin Shi Huang.
In terms of women’s roles, Dong Trong Thu put forward the thoughtof “obeying their husband in everything" – the wife must obey anythingthat her husband has said regardless of rightness or wrongness.Confucianism in Han Dynasty became an effective mental ruling tool ofthe centralized autocratic state. Therefore, the “three obediences, fourvirtues” theory is more strict to women, known as a base with paternalisticand patriarchal thoughts.
2.1.4.3. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism inSong Dynasty
For women, Confucianism strengthens the ideology “MaleSupremacy” (to value men above women)", "Father - Husband - Son".More unfortunately, Confucianism has the extreme view about a woman'svirginity. Cheng Yisaid that: "starve is the little, losing the virginity is thebiggest." This isthe most typical evidence for the grim and strict Confucianfor women.
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2.2. The theory of “Father - Husband - Son” (three submissions)and “Work-Appearance- Word- Character” (four virtues) inVietnamese Confucianism
2.2.1. Overview of Confucianism introduction into VietnamConfucianism was introduced into Vietnam during the Chinese
domination for a thousand of year. Especially, for each different historicalperiod and each different dynasty, the position and role of Confucianismare different. In one thousand year of feudalism, Confucian in general andthe theory of “Father - Husband - Son” and “Work-Appearance- Word-Character” in particular had a profound influence on the Vietnamese lifeand people. Confucian contributed to build the national traditions, ideologyand culture and the image of Vietnam women from traditional style tomodern style.
The most noteworthy thing is that when it existed in Vietnam,Confucianism was not completely stereotyped as Chinese Confucian that ithas been modified to fit the Vietnamese tradition.
2.2.2. Factors changing the content of the theory of “Father -Husband - Son” and “Work-Appearance- Word- Character” inVietnamese Confucianism
First, Vietnamese has had the tradition of respecting the women forthousands of year.
Second,the practical history of building and protecting our country aswell as Vietnam’s cultural tradition has regulated the receiving way andchanged the theory of three submissions and four virtues of Confucianism.
Third, during the process of Confucianism introduction into Vietnam,Confucians have received and applied this content in accordance with thecountry’s situation.
Fourth, during the process of Confucianism’s introduction intoVietnam, Buddhism and Taoism have been also introduced into ourcountry.
Fifth, Vietnamese traditional families are very different from theChinese patriarchy ones.
The aforementioned fundamental factors have changed the theory ofthree submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism. Thosewere also the foundation to regulate the contents and features of the theoryof three submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism.
2.2.3. Overview of the content and feature of the theory of threesubmissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism
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2.3.3.1. The contents of the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues in Vietnamese Confucianism
The contents of the theory of three submissions and four virtues inVietnamese Confucianism have been shown in the family songs, feudallaws. In general, this content is very little different from ChineseConfucianism.
2.3.3.2. Some fundamental features of the theory of the threesubmissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism
Firstly, the theory of three submissions and four virtues have beenadmitted and appreciated by Vietnamese feudal laws.
In the feudal period, most laws had the content relating to women,especially Hong Duc Law and Gia Long Law. In general, although therewere a lot of advantages in comparison with Chinese, these laws still hadthe ideology of Male Supremacy. They had forced women to depend onmen. “Nguyen dynasty” was significantly influenced by Confucianism;therefore they had the extreme view about the women’s virginity andappreciated “virginal women”
Secondly, the theory of three submissions and four virtues has beenbuilt by the Confucianism trend and under the form of family songs.
Some people say that: “It is difficult to teach women” and they alsoslight women because of their illiteracy, from those, in the feudal period,Confucians trended to write the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues under the form of poems, family songs - those to teach women. Inthose family songs, Confucians gave much content to force women to learnand follow. In addition to those, they also gave the content of prohibitions towomen and all of them related to the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues.
Thirdly, the theory of three submissions and four virtues had beenshown in the regulations of Vietnamese communes
Those regulations were the social conventions of the communeswritten by Confucians. In those regulations, Confucians gave the rules ofthe family to men and women. If they had done contrary to thoseregulations, they would have been fined
Fourthly, the theory of three submissions and four virtues had beenshown in folklore, particularly folk songs and proverbs.
Fifthly, the status of Vietnamese women had "softened" the theory ofthree submissions and four virtues.
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Compared with China, the status of Vietnamese women has beenraised a lot and assigned the important tasks. In Vietnam, women areconsidered "Internal Queen" of the family. The reason for this is thatVietnamese family model is different from the Chinese family model.Vietnam family model typically includes two generations; therefore thewife's status was enhanced. But in China, the family model mainlyincludes multiple generations; so it is necessary to have the head man todirect all the work and maintain order and discipline in the family
Sixthly, the theory of three submissions and four virtues in VietnameseConfucianism respected the practice rather than the theory.
Seventhly, during the period from the thousands of years ago untilnow, Vietnamese women in all levels have positively participated in social,cultural and political activities. The Vietnamese history and culture havealways recorded the names of women who contributed to the success of thenation, such asTrieu Thi Trinh, Duong Van Nga, Y Lan, Bui Thi Xuan,Ms.Ba Cai Vang, etc. Those good examples are always in hearts of thepeople. The noble beauty of Vietnamese women have made the theory ofthree submissions and four virtues change in Vietnam and havefundamental differences with this ideology in China
Conclusion of Chapter 2As a political, social and moral theory, Confucianism became a tool
to protect the status of the ruling class. Confucianism advocates to educatethe morality for people to bring the society from chaos statement frompeaceful and prosperous statement. The category of moral education ofwomen is mentioned primarily in the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues.
The theory of three submissions and four virtues gave the moralstandards that women have to listen. Besides the positive values, such asteaching women to complete their appearance beauty and spirit beauty, thetheory also brought a lot of negative effects that included the idea: “MaleSupremacy” being deeply into social life. Etiology of this thought is thatConfucian would like to educate women under their standards to maintainfamily order and more importantly social order and the final aim is toprotect the status of the ruling class.
Confucianism has deeply affected the social life of the East Asiancountries, including Vietnam. It is worth noting that Confucianism inVietnam was converted with a number of contents or in other words, it was"softened" and "refracted" to suit Vietnamese life. Therefore, in Vietnam,the negative nature of this theory has decreased more than Confucian in
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China. In Vietnam, the status of women is respected than women in otherAsian countries.
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Chapter 3EFFECTS OF THE THEORY OF THREE SUBMISSIONS AND
FOUR VIRTUES TO VIETNAMESE WOMEN NOWADAYS– THESTATUS AND EMERGING ISSUES
3.1. Negative effects of the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues to Vietnamese women nowadays
3.1.1. Negative effects of the theory of three submissions and fourvirtues to Vietnamese women in family nowadays
3.1.1.1. The theory of three submissions and four virtues causingthepsychology: “Male Supremacy”
Firstly, the “Male Supremacy” psychology is expressed clearlythrough the theory.
The first thought of three submissions was that women had not gotmarried; they had to listen their father. The thought still deeply affects theVietnamese cultural lives. In the Vietnamese family nowadays, most menplay an important role and all other members must obey them.Accordingly, when the daughter has not got married yet, they must strictlyobey her father’s arrangements on the issue of studying, career and matechoice.
The negative sides of “her husband as a wife” thought have muchinfluence on women. Compared with the husband, the wife has much morethe disadvantages.
Firstly, in some families, the husband remains the decisive role inissues relating to children
Secondly, the husband holds the financial source in family; thereforehe has right to decide all expenses in the family
Thirdly, there are still many opinions that show the housework mustbe done by women and men have no responsibility for doing that work.
Fourthly, in production, the wife often takes on the tasks which aretime-consuming and effort-consuming but less income than men, such asembroidery, sewing, farming, and cattle-breeding…
Fifthly, in a family, women have less time to rest than men.Sixthly, there is inequality in reproductive health care and family
planning.Seventhly, there is inequality in accessing to resources and
opportunities for development.Eighthly, there is inequality in internal and external affairs.
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Ninthly, many husbands still have serious paternalism that leads todomestic violence, gratuitous jealousy, binding the wife with householdchores, prohibiting the wife from expanding her social relationships.
Tenthly, there are some men who are indifferent to academic andfame career of their wife.
Nowadays, although the Law regulates that if husband is dead, wifeis allowed to get married another man, she still has responsibility for herchildren; the negativity of ideology “her sons in widowhood” actually stillhas some effects although its influence is not too much high. That is in thecase of husband’s death, the wife is afraid of public opinion so she doesn’tdare to marry again. Besides that, the woman whose husband died haslived alone and sacrificed her own happiness to bring up her children buther children are undutiful to her.
Secondly, the psychology of Male supremacy (to value men abovewomen) is also reflected clearly in the need of male birth.
The paternalism and male-supremacy of Confucianism have beenrooted in people’s life, therefore, people in families highly evaluate male-birth and find any way to be born a son. These radical thoughts and actionsmake our country become one of countries having the highest abortion rateand gender imbalance rate in the world.
Thirdly, the psychology of Male supremacy is also reflected throughthe property division and investment level for children.
Many families focused investing education, property division for boysmore than for girls. The reason of this matter is that the son is considered asan heir and the daughter will get married and serve for her husband’s family,thus investment for girls is not as much as for boys.
3.1.1.2. Three obediences and Four Virtues have obstructed the policy offree marriage
The psychology of “her father as a daughter” has respected decidedrole of father to his daughter. In which, the father has the right to decidehis daughter’s marriage. The daughte’s chance of choosing her husband isaffected by her father. On the other hand, in a marriage, wife is alwaysdependent on her husband. Today, although the Law proposes themonogamous marriage, actually in many areas (some locals nearby Hanoi)there is phenomenon that a man can get married with many wives at onceand the former wives must accept it. This is negative consequence of three-obedience theory and it has still affected until now.
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3.1.1.3. Theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues createsdependent and passive psychology of wife to her husband, which hasobstructed the development of woman today
Firstly, the woman has accepted to live smugly.Secondly, women themselves have weak reactions to Domestic
violence.Thirdly, women themselves have not appreciated their position and
their role in family and society, so they are dependent, passive and nottrying to overcome difficulties in studying and social work, in fighting forequal rights on their side.3.1.1.4. Theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues is one of reason thatcausesDomestic violence
Although Law of gender quality was issued and came into force from2007, as a result of negative influence of theory of three obediences andfour virtues, so our country is still the country with high Domesticviolence, in which mainly are that husband beating his wife, father beatshis children. Significantly, in cases of domestic violence from the husbandto the wife, there are few wives denouncing their husbands because theyare afraid the public opinion that “to be ashamed as husband as wife” or“air your dirty linen in public”
3.1.2. The negative effects of theory of Three obediences and FourVirtues to Vietnamese women in society today
3.1.2.1. The theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues has limitedthe posibility of participating social acitivities of women
Người The women are affected by the ideology “male-supremacy”,“women with smug feeling” from their husbands and their relatives, sothey do not get support to develop social activities from these people. Onthe other hand, there are many women who are dependent too much, nottrying to overcome difficulties and change their situations, but acceptingthe dependent life to their husbands. This has made them create distance inparticipating in social activities.
3.1.2.2. The theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues has limitedthe posibility of being agencies’ leaders of women
With the main ideology “Male-supremacy”, the theory of Threeobediences and Four Virtues is a barrier not only for women’s social activitiesparticipation but also their being leader possibility.
Affected by the ideology “male – supremacy”, men have disregardedthe position and role of women in social activities. On the other hand, not
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only men have improper look to women, but also even women haven’tovercome ancient prejudices to themselves and others.
3.1.2.3. The theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues is barriercausing gender inequality in acessing and enjoying social interests
The negativities of theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues,gender prejudices are the cause of the disparity in opportunities foremployment, income and promotion between male and female. The reason ofthis problem is that female labor force have trouble about health, fertility, timeof caring children and families; therefor, they cannot spend enthusiamsm asmuch as male labor force. With the disparity of working year amount is 5years, it helps women to recovery their health but it’s also an obstacle forwomen of being in structure of source leading cadres.
3.2. The positive effects of theory of Three obediences and FourVirtues to Vietnamese women in society today
3.2.1. The theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues has a greatimpact on the education of respecting sense for family’s disciplines andbackground to stabilize social order.
Today, besides the negative effects, the theory of Three obediencesand Four Virtues also has a lot of positive effects to social life. One of thepositive effects is that this theory plays an important role in awarenesseducation for women of respecting family’s descipline and background tostabilize social order. It requires and forms for women how to behave properlyin harmony with her parents, husband and children. This is really important inthe market economy, where many traditional values are turned upside down.
3.2.2 The theory of Three obediences and Four Virtues helps womenperfect outside and inside beauty to meet the requirements of socialdevelopment.
Diligent workToday, the diligent work of women has changed a lot compared with
the previous one. The woman is not confined within the family but alsoextended to society. In family, they are major force in housework, raisingchildren, taking care of the house, managing household economy. In society,the qualification of women is increasingly improving, they are the largesocial labor force, women holding leadership position are also increasing.This is a new and advanced aspect of modern women.
Nowadays, many women are so keen on working and money thatthey forget their duties to their family. They don’t have enough time totaking care their family, which makes their family unstable, their childrenare not got personality-education perfectly. Women should realize that
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their natural role as wife, mom and the person building family nest is theirresponsibility. They should manage their time suitably to solve work offamily and society.
Modest appearanceAppearance according to Confucianism’s concept is understood as
physical beauty, expressed through natural appearance combined withcostumes and make-up that makes a general decency. Nowadays, materialand spiritual life is increasingly improving, women have chance to takingcare their outside beauty. They come to beauty salon, learn to makeup,dressing. However, there are many women have learned flashy Westerndressing style… which not consistent with Vietnamese traditions.
Therefore, appearance concept of Confucianism is much more valuablewhen it help to form modern beauty of women to traditional standards.
Proper speechSpeech is focused on courteous, discreet, sound of soft words,
listening easily. Because of the nature of work, women cannot be too shyanytime, anywhere as the former women. To meet the increasing demandsof modern society, language in communication is gradually intellectual andscientific.
We need to look straight into the limitations of using the language ofwomen today. That is "slang" language, bad words, or questions withcontent lack of transparency. Before the situation above, the speech ofwomen must be polite, respect and order, which still are the necessaryprinciples for effort of women in modern society.
BehaviorThis is the foundation of human, the moral of man. Woman's virtue is
expressed including domestic skills, appearance, speech and behavior.Behavior shows the response of women with other relatives in family,colleagues, villages and the Fatherland.
Currently, under the impact of the market economy, many moral valueshave been turned upside down. Accordingly, the morality of women is alsomodified so that four virtues play an important role in educating the womenbecoming more complete.
3.3. Factors changing the influence of theory of three obediencesand four virtues for Vietnam women today
Firstly, in the Platform for national construction in the transitionalperiod to socialism, approved by VII Congress of the Party in 1991, ourParty has taken Marxism - Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology as thefoundation and lodestar for our country's revolution.
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Secondly, the role of women has been supported and honored by ourcountry.
Thirdly, men and women have been had the thought, role assessmentof women in the direction of progress than before.
Finally, Vietnam women are key factor in contributing to the successof wars against the French and American and the reforms of the countryfrom 1986 to present.
3.4. Some of the problems posed by influence of three obediencesand four virtues in Confucianism for Vietnam women today
3.4.1. Contradiction between requirements for promoting values ofthree obediences and four virtues for the strong impacts of marketeconomy and international integration of Vietnam today
Market economy has been strongly impacted on the social life ofVietnam in both positive and negative aspect. The positive aspect improvesthe material and spiritual life of people as well as promotes the dynamicand creation of people. The negative is the alienation of traditional moralvalues and decency and order in the society turned upside down.
In new conditions, the traditional ethic values of women have beenhad contradictions, the struggle between progress and backwardness;healthy honesty and loyalty lifestyle and pragmatic, deceitful, selfish,battens lifestyle or for money. New ethics of women in the new societymust to struggle with other ethical systems and struggle to innovatetraditional values as well as affirm themselves in changing conditions.
3.4.2. Contradiction between conservative and outdated concepts ofthree obediences and four virtues with advanced viewpoints in buildingthe modern ethic standard of Vietnam women today
Firstly, the conservative and outdated concepts are due to thenegative influences of three obediences and four virtues.
Secondly, in consistent with requirements of industrialization andmodernization of the country, we have been putting out the advancedqualities of modern Vietnam women.
However, when inheriting the traditional moral values of the nation, itneeds to firmly reject the old, outdated or inappropriate traditions as wellas by practice to affirm the new values occurring in consistent with newdevelopment stage of country. The new ethics of women are to strugglewith conservative, outdated viewpoints of three obediences and fourvirtues, as well as to self renewal and affirm in new conditions.
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3.4.3. Contradiction between promoting social positive of women withthe viewpoint to underestimate the role of women of men and the passive,complex and surrender viewpoint of women
The social positive of women is their activeness, creation, andenthusiasm in meaningful activities to promote social progress and women.The positive of women, however, is dominated, held back by negatives inthree obediences and four virtues which are the viewpoints tounderestimate the role of women in men and the passive, complex andsurrender viewpoint of women.
Although we have enacted the Gender Equality, the issues of genderequality have not been done at anytime, anywhere from family and society.We must have proper awareness and action on this issue to enhance theposition and role of women in society. On the other hand, this must be insynchronized nature from family and society so that the women haveconditions for promoting the dynamic, creation to meet the requirements ofindustrialization and modernization of the country.
Summary of Chapter 3Confucian ethics in general and women ethics of Confucianism in
particular through theory of three obediences and four virtues have aprofound influence to the position, role and ethic of Vietnam womentoday. The influence of three obediences and four virtues is expressedclearly in positive and negative. The positive is promoting the ethicalcultivation, altruistic lifestyle and the importance of gratitude of women.The negative is strengthening the thought of male-supremacy mentality,paternalism and authoritarianism in family and society. The level, scopeand consequence of this influence for Vietnam women today are verydiverse and complex. However, Vietnam women in the new era alwaysstrive to overcome all difficulties, hardships and sacrifices..., or affirmthemselves in many areas of life. The current influence status of threeobediences and four virtues for Vietnam women today has set out the needto resolve contradictions when making viewpoints and specific solutions.
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Chapter 4OPINIONS AND SOME PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE
THE POSITIVE EFFECTS AND MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVEEFFECTS OF THREE OBEDIENCES AND FOUR VIRTUES FOR
VIETNAMESE WOMEN NOWADAYS
4.1. A number of majority opinions to enhance the positive effects andminimize the negative effects of Three obediences and four virtues forVietnamese women nowadays
4.1.1. Fostering the opinions of the Communist Party of Vietnamand Ho Chi Minh in inheriting the value of Three obediences and fourvirtues for Vietnamese women nowadays
Ho Chi Minh always appreciates the position and value of women inthe society. Besides, he also pointed out the negative effects of theprevious thoughts on women. Therefore, he highly values the women’sliberation. He argues that women should be independent in the followingfields:
First, on politicsSecond, on economicsThird, on cultureFourth, on society-family field
The Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government have madeseveral undertakings and policies on women’s liberation. For example,Resolution No. 04/NQ-TW (12/7/1993), Directive No. 28 CT-TW(19/9/1993), Directive No. 37/CT (16/5/1994), Directive No. 54/CT-TW(22/5/2000), Directive 07/CT-TW (25/01/2002), Resolution No. 11/NQ-TW on the women’s careers in the period of national industrialization andmodernization and the Government has issued Resolution No.19/2003/ND-CP (7/3/2003) and Gender equality laws passed on November2006 by the National Assembly facilitate Vietnamese Women’s Union toparticipate in the state administration regarding women’s rights andbenefits; Resolution of 10th National Congress of the Communist party ofVietnam states that: “Improving the capacities on physical and spiritual lifeand ensuring the gender equality. Facilitating women to fulfill their rolesas residents, laborers, mothers and the first teachers of the human races.Fostering and training the women to participate in the social activities,leading agencies and authorities of different level”
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4.1.2. Inheriting the value of Three obediences and four virtuesshall be aimed at improving the position and roles of Vietnamese womennowadays
Improving women’s positions and roles requires the close integrationbetween inheriting the value of Three obediences and four virtues andbuilding new moral standards. In the modern society, the new moralstandards that we set include: self-esteem, confidence, responsibility andreliability. These moral qualities are based on the positive effects of Threeobediences and four virtues
4.2. Some principal strategies to enhance the positive effects andminimize the negative effects of Three obediences and four virtues forVietnamese women nowadays
4.2.1. Developing the economy, culture and society, promoting thevocational training and creating jobs to Vietnamese women nowadays
To implement this strategy, some following measures should betaken:
First, raising women’s awareness on the importance of economicdevelopment with the aim of enhancing women’s roles and position
Second, developing the household economyThird, prioritize the vocational training to women, especially those in
the rural areas 4.2.2. Promoting education and raising women’s awareness of their
positions and roles to enhance the positive effects and minimize thenegative effects of Three obediences and four virtues for Vietnamesewomen nowadays
For the societyFirst, reforming mechanisms to establish the rights of the gender
equalitySecond, promoting economic development in order to encourage
women’s involvement and ensure equal labor resourcesThird, implementing the practical measures to overcome the gender
distinction in the area of mastering resources and political voiceFourth, all the levels and sectors need to promote the propagation
and dissemination to all staffs, members, and the masses about women’simportant roles and positions in all social fields as well as in the domesticfamily, thereby contributing to rapidly powerful change in the existinggender stereotypes
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Fifth, expanding the international cooperation and exchanges. This isconsistent with international trends, international economic integrationnowadays.
For women:First, improving physical healthSecond, taking care of their appearanceThird, having adequate knowledge and cultureFourth, having stable careersFifth, having cultural lifestylesSixth, being creative and dynamic4.2.3. Improving customs and practices, building new customs and
practices to minimize the negative effects and enhance the positiveeffects of Three Obediences and Four Virtues for Vietnamese womennowadays
To implement this strategy, some following measures should betaken:
First, promoting gender equality with the aim of gradually removingmale chauvinism in the domestic family and the society
Second, appreciating women’s position and roles through traditionalfestivals
Third, forming new customs and habits, which suit with therequirements of the modern society
4.2.4. Enhancing the roles of VietnamWomen’s Union and socialorganizations to minimize the negative effects and enhance the positiveeffects of Three Obediences and Four Virtues for Vietnamese womennowadays
To implement this strategy, some following measures should betaken:
First, the Communist Party of Vietnam and the government of alllevels should promote the activities of propaganda, and dissemination forall staffs, members of the Communist Party, and masses about women’srole and position in all the society as well as in families, contributing to therapid change in gender bias which has been surviving in many people.
Second, the members of Vietnam Women’s Union must constantlystrive in works and study to have enough qualification, experience toefficiently operate in all branches; promote the activeness and creativity ofthe Union in the establishment, organization and implementation ofprograms for the advancement of women.
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4.2.5. Completing the mechanisms, policies and the legal system, ofimplementing gender equality to minimize the negative effects andenhance the positive effects of Three Obediences and Four Virtues forVietnamese women nowadays
To implement this strategy, some following measures should betaken:
First, raising people’s awareness about gender and the importance ofwomen's liberation
Second, constantly amending, supplementing mechanisms, socialpolicies and completing laws to suit with specific stages and regions
Third, strictly implementing mechanisms, laws, and policies ongender equality
Fourth, the economy is the social foundation, so the economicdevelopment is the basis to solve the social contradictions
Fifth, strictly handling the violations to social policies and genderinequality for women
Conclusion of Chapter 4
Ho Chi Minh always appreciates the position and value of women inthe society. He highly values and offers the advanced thoughts in thewomen’s liberation. Therefore, mastering Ho Chi Minh's ideology onwomen's liberation in the proposal of policy and direction of the work ofwomen is very important. On that basis, we offer specific solutions topromote positive factors and limit negative factors. We need to carry outthe proposed directions and solutions.
However, it is necessary to confirm that these solutions should beimplemented systematically at all levels of the government in the socialareas with women’s participation. In particular, an important factor whichleads to the success of this career is women themselves, so they mustchange their thoughts and have proper awareness of their roles andpositions in the family and society to perform “self-liberating” actions forimproving the quality of their own life.
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CONCLUSION
Confucianism appeared as an ideology in China in the Spring –Autumn and the Warring States period and was introduced into manyAsian countries, including Vietnam.
Confucianism is an ethical doctrine which Confucian has advocated"using ethics to control men". Therefore, Confucianism has focused oneducating ethics for people. For women, Confucianism has used “threeobediences” and “four virtues” din educating them.
Confucianism was propagated to Vietnam in the period ofdomination by Northern invaders. Vietnamese feudal class acquired andapplied theory of Three obediences and four virtues as a tool for educatingpsychology and ethics so that they could create a typical model for womenin the society. This theory has demonstrated both positive and negativeeffects. Its positive values are to educate women to achieve good standardsas gentle, well-mannered, responsible and skilful. Meanwhile, its negativeeffects are to form male chauvinism and paternalism in people's minds, etc.These thoughts have been an obstacle to the progress of Vietnamesewomen in the modern society.
Nowadays, women have many conditions to promote their talents.However, it is also an extreme harsh period of market economy; thus,women’s moral qualities are toughly challenged in a complex strugglebetween good things and bad ones. In the modern society, several womenhave succeeded on certain aspects of social life; many women have falleninto the social evil, destructed their personality and undersold theirconscience. The reality has required that women should have newawareness and actions to response with reality of new life and new rules.Therefore, they are required not only precious traditional virtues but alsoqualifications, knowledge and modern standards. Especially, their effortsand will of conquering good things for women, family and society areheightened. As a result, Vietnamese women should exploit and enhancethe positive effects as well as minimize the negative effects of ThreeObediences and Four Virtues to develop themselves.
The women's liberation was initiated by President Ho Chi Minh rightafter the August Revolution of 1945. Under the leadership of the Party, thegovernment’s management and supervision of organizations underVietnam Women's Union, the women's liberation in our country hasachieved remarkable success. However, in the women’s liberation, there
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still exist such limitations as gender inequality, domestic violence, malechauvinism and patriarchal ideology, etc. which have bring tremendousinfluences on this mission. Accordingly, solutions for curbing negativeeffects and promoting positive elements in theory of Three obediences ofwomen and four virtues in Confucianism are necessary.
Confucianism has had great influences on our country on bothdimensions. The important issue is that we must have an objective viewwhen assessing Confucianism.
Research on theory of Three obediences and four virtues ofConfucianism and on its influence on present Vietnamese women is a wideand complex issue. And it is not limited to the content mentioned in thisthesis. We are aware that we are unable to fully elucidate the content andimpact of this theory on present Vietnamese women. Thus, theseshortcomings issues need to be further studied in later works. By doing so,comprehensive acknowledgement about expressions of Confucianism ingeneral and Three obediences and four virtues in particular for Vietnamesewomen in modern society can be discovered
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