The Concepts of the Sons of Some Ethnic Groups in North Vietnam

Abstract

Based on the review of existing documents, this article finds out the similarities and differences of the Tay, Thai, Muong, Hmong and Nung ethnic groups in North Vietnam regarding the value of the sons in the family and community principally through: wedding ceremonies, types of residence after marriage, funeral rites, worship, property inheritance. This study indicates that one of the causes of the imbalance of the sex ratio at birth in Vietnam, including in ethnic minority communities, is that sons are valued very highly. This study also compares the minority groups’ psychology with the Kinh’s to discern the similarities and differences of the concepts of the sons in the family and society, then identifies the notions that reduce the preference for sons over daughters.