Some issues in research on the livelihoods of ethnic minorities in the border areas of Vietnam

Abstract

Since Doi Moi (1986), our Party and State have paid great attention to the development and stabilization of the border region in general and the improvement of the living standards of border residents in particular via a wide range of development and support policies, programs and projects. The context of opening up, international integration and the market economy has had an increasingly profound impact on the economic activities and livelihoods of ethnic minorities in the border areas of our country in both positive and negative directions. The issue on Vietnam's border areas has attracted attention from various scientific disciplines, especially ethnology/anthropology, which study many aspects, including livelihood activities of local peoples. On the basis of a literature review, this article presents a general overview of some issues on theoretical approach and content as well as assesses the achievements and limitations in research on the livelihoods of ethnic groups in the border regions; from there, it offers some suggestions for further research on this topic.