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The impact of Confucianism on gender inequality in Vietnam

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  • Vu, Manh Tien
  • Yamada, Hiroyuki

Abstract

We quantified influences of Confucianism on gender inequality in present- day Vietnam. We used 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, we considered possible impacts on sex ratio and educational attainment of women relative to men, based on test score and population census data. We found that Confucianism has a long lasting impact on gender inequality. The results also suggested that women tended to try harder, perhaps as a countermeasure against discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Vu, Manh Tien & Yamada, Hiroyuki, 2020. "The impact of Confucianism on gender inequality in Vietnam," AGI Working Paper Series 2020-16, Asian Growth Research Institute.
  • Handle: RePEc:agi:wpaper:00000180
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Confucianism; Gender inequality; Sex ratio; Education; 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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