Single Mothers and the State's Embrace: Reproductive Agency in Vietnam

In the mid-1980s, single women in Vietnam faced a shortage of suitable marital prospects, leading to the practice of xin con (asking for a child) where they asked men to get them pregnant out of wedlock. This ethnography explores the practice of xin con among single mothers in the postwar era and today, and how their reproductive agency was embraced rather than rejected by the Vietnamese state as it entered the global market economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: University of Washington Press

In the aftermath of the Indochina Wars in the mid-1980s, a significant shortage of men in Vietnam left many single women facing limited prospects for marriage. As a result, a number of these women resorted to a radical approach known as "asking for a child" (xin con), which involved seeking men to conceive children outside of wedlock. This practice marked a departure from traditional Vietnamese kinship values and practices, which were deeply rooted in Confucian patriarchal and patrilineal reproductive interests.

However, it is important to note that xin con was not entirely unprecedented in Vietnamese society. It had roots in both pre- and postwar values, practices, and notions of gender, kinship, love, and sexuality. This ethnography aims to explore the practice of xin con among single mothers in the postwar era and today, and to consider the ways in which their reproductive agency was both embraced and rejected by the Vietnamese state as it transitioned into the global market economy.

Rather than condemning or attempting to restrict older single women's reproductive agency, government officials in Vietnam enacted policies that sought to accommodate both the women and the state. This approach represents an intriguing alignment of Confucian heritage, Communist ideology, and governing tactics, demonstrating the social power of women in shaping policy outcomes.

The practice of xin con has evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and economic conditions. In the postwar era, single mothers who pursued xin con often faced social stigma and discrimination, as they were viewed as deviant and irresponsible. However, with the advent of globalization and the increasing importance of the family in Vietnamese society, attitudes towards single motherhood have gradually shifted.

Today, many single mothers in Vietnam are celebrated for their contributions to society and their ability to provide for their children. Government policies have also become more supportive of single mothers, providing social welfare benefits and educational opportunities.

Despite these positive developments, challenges still remain for single mothers in Vietnam, including poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. However, the practice of xin con continues to be a significant aspect of Vietnamese society, reflecting the complex interplay between traditional values, social change, and women's reproductive agency.

In conclusion, the practice of xin con among single mothers in Vietnam represents a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage, social dynamics, and women's reproductive agency. While it has faced challenges and discrimination, it has also been embraced and supported by the Vietnamese state as it navigates the complexities of globalization and social change. This ethnography provides valuable insights into the ways in which women's reproductive choices are shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors, and highlights the importance of policies that promote gender equality and social inclusion.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295749433