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The impacts of Confucianism on gender inequality in Vietnam

Author

Listed:
  • Tien Manh Vu

    (Chuo University)

  • Hiroyuki Yamada

    (Keio University)

Abstract

We quantify the influences of Confucianism on gender inequality in present-day Vietnam. We use the number (or density) of the most successful test takers in the Vietnamese imperial examinations (1075–1919) in a given district as a proxy for mastering the subject of Confucianism. Using an instrumental variable approach based on the historical expansion of Vietnamese territory and distances to the test venues, we consider the effects on labor, health, and educational outcomes for females relative to males. We find that Confucianism has long-lasting negative impacts on gender inequality in all considered aspects. However, the results also suggest that when present-day females pursue more years of schooling, they tend to perform better than males.

Suggested Citation

  • Tien Manh Vu & Hiroyuki Yamada, 2024. "The impacts of Confucianism on gender inequality in Vietnam," The Journal of Economic Inequality, Springer;Society for the Study of Economic Inequality, vol. 22(1), pages 165-184, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecin:v:22:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10888-023-09584-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10888-023-09584-8
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    1. Vu, Tien Manh & Yamada, Hiroyuki, 2023. "Legacies of Vietnam's imperial examinations, 1075–1919: More investment in education and better educational outcomes," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 2-14.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Confucianism; Gender inequality; Labor; Education; Health; Vietnam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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