Rights of Men in Matriarchy in Vietnam

Abstract

In Vietnam, the matrilineal families are popular in the Cham, Jarai, E-de, Raglai, Chu-ru, Mnong, Co-ho, Xtieng, and Cho-ro ethnic groups. Up to now, there are many misconceptions about the position and role of men in the matrilineal family; this leads to the incorrect understanding, interpretation, evaluation and treatment of cultural traditions of matrilineal and bi-lineal ethnic groups. This article further elucidates the characteristics of matriarchy, thus highlighting the true role of men in such families, the symbiotic relationship of matriarchy and the rights of men - a mechanism that affects the durable existence of this kind of family in Austronesian and Malayo-Polynesian ethnic groups in the South Central Highlands.