Social norms, ethnic minority women, gender prejudice.

Abstract

The article focuses on analysing certain social norms for women that remain fairly widespread among numerous ethnic minority groups. These are expectations and demands related to the duties and responsibilities that women ought to undertake within the family and community spheres. Regardless of their form, these norms exert a considerable influence on women’s status. Drawing on research findings from four ethnic communities – Bru-Van Kieu, Ta-oi (Pa Co group), Nung, and Hmong – the article demonstrates that certain norms towards women impose additional obligations upon them, diminish their opportunities to engage in decision-making within the family and community, and restrict their prospects for social integration.