Making Two Vietnams: War and Youth Identities, 1965-1975

The book explores the differences in the experiences of North and South Vietnamese youths during the Vietnamese War, focusing on adult-youth relations, socialization, and politicization. It examines how the two societies dealt with their wartime experience and strove to shape their futures, and how Western and socialist cultures influenced their youth cultures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Vietnamese War had a profound impact on the lives of North and South Vietnamese youths, shaping their experiences and perspectives in unique ways. In her book, Olga Dror delves into the complex relationship between adults and youth during this period, offering a unique perspective on the conflict. Through a comprehensive analysis of educational systems, social organizations, and children's texts created during the war, Dror explores how the two societies dealt with their wartime experience and attempted to shape their futures.

One of the key themes of the book is the socialization and politicization of Vietnamese children and teenagers. Dror examines the contrasting approaches taken by the North and the South, with the North implementing a highly centralized agenda of indoctrination aimed at shaping young minds toward the communist ideology. In contrast, the South had no such policy, allowing for a more diverse range of influences and perspectives to shape the youth.

Dror's examination of these differences reveals the impact of Western culture on the youth of the South and socialist culture on the youth of the North. She explores how these cultural influences diverged from the prewar paths of both Vietnams and from each other, leading to the development of distinct youth cultures.

The book also sheds light on the experiences of Vietnamese refugees, who were forced to leave their homes and communities due to the war. Dror examines the challenges faced by these young people as they transitioned to new environments, including adjusting to different educational systems, social organizations, and cultural norms.

Overall, "Children of the Vietnamese War" is a valuable contribution to the study of the Vietnam War and its impact on society. By examining the complex relationship between adults and youth during this period, Dror provides a deeper understanding of the conflict and its long-lasting consequences. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the human experience of war.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108455244