Social factors affecting childbirth intention in Vietnam: a sociological perspective

Abstract

Abstract: This article examines the social determinants of low fertility in Vietnam by approaching childbearing as a form of strategic social behavior. The analysis focuses on three key social factors: (1) the value of children and family resources; (2) social status and life strategies; and (3) perceptions of gender equality. These factors are selected on the basis of three major sociological theories employed in the study: rational choice theory; social status and role theory; gender role theory. These sociological theories inherently allow existing research findings in Vietnam to be integrated into a coherent analytical framework. At the same time, the synthesis of these three theoretical perspectives reflects a novel sociological approach adopted in the article. While fertility levels are used as an outcome indicator, the core emphasis of the analysis is to elucidate the social factors shaping reproductive decision-making.