Gender bias in neoclassical economics : a case study of Viêt Nam's economic transition

Abstract

The neoclassical economic model is a reflection of the experiences of the white, northern men who developed it. This thesis applies the analysis of gender bias in the neoclassical economic model and its derived policies to the case of Viet Nam's economic transition, in order to demonstrate the inevitability of restructuring's negative effects on women's position in gender relations. Viet Nam presents a particularly pertinent case for inquiry into this matter for several reasons. The socialist model prior to transition left a smaller gender gap than in many developing countries, making an assessment of change since transition less complicated. The government's public promise to maintain social equity while adopting a market economy suggests there was no political intent to dispense the negative effects unequally on the population. Finally, the fact that Viet Nam's economic transition has been considered a relative success by the international economic community provides a more telling basis for analysis of relative change than in countries experiencing overall negative economic results from Structural Adjustment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)