Civil Society Action and Governance in Vietnam: Selected Findings from an Empirical Survey

Jörg Wischermann ()

Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 2010, vol. 29, issue 2, 3-40

Abstract: In this article, findings from 300 standardized interviews with representatives of Civic Organizations in Ho Chi Minh-City and Ha Noi are presented. Following a view of civil society as a specific mode of social action and interaction, data analysis unveils the existence of core dimensions of such action (respect, empathy/ sympathy, and the willingness to compromise and stick to agreed-upon rules), though the respective values of those dimensions vary strongly. Inseparably linked with such civil society action of whatever kind is consensus-seeking, an aversion to conflicts, and an affinity to synthesis. These attitudes and practices, dominating various Civic Organizations’ internal decision-making processes, represent elements of authoritarian political thinking in Civic Organizations’ leaders’ mindsets and courses of action. Combined, those characteristics make up civil society action “in Vietnamese colours†.

Keywords: Vietnam; Civil society; Civic organizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010-07
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