Social impacts of rural to urban youth migration on rural communities in modern Vietnam

Le Tuen Thi Thanh ORCID: 0000-0002-8584-7512 PhD in Sociology Lecturer; Department of Management Sciences; Thu Dau Ilo University 100 Universitetskiy Ave., office 2-20 B, Volgograd Region, 400062, Russia tuyenltt@tdmu.edu.vn Other publications by this author

Introduction

In the framework of this study, the migration of young people from rural areas to cities in modern Vietnam is the movement of an able–bodied person or a group of people aged 16 to 35 years, including shift and permanent migration.

The migration of young people from rural areas to cities is the subject of study by many modern scientists. A significant contribution to the study of rural youth migration was made by Russian scientists: Yu.V. Harutyunyan^[1]; O. Vorobyeva^[2]; A. Topilina, J.A. Zayonchkovskaya, I.N. Molodikova, V.I. Mukomel^[3]; T.I. Zaslavskaya, L. Rybakovsky^[4]; I. Ivakhnyuk^[5]; V. Iontsev^[6]; E. Krasinets^[7]; N.V. Mkrtchyan^[8], Perevedentsev^[9]; E. Plisetsky^[10]; V.V. Pokshishevsky^[11]; N. Rimashevskaya^[12]; A. Homra^[13]; B. Khorev, V. Chapek^[14]. Internal migration, including rural migration, is considered in the works of A.G. Vishnevsky^[15]; T. Zaslavskaya, R. Ryvkina^[16]; L.V. Korel^[17]; V. Moiseenko^[18]; V. Staroverova^[19]; M.A. Shabanova^[20]. Various aspects of regional migration, including the pendulum migration, are presented in the works of M.L. Akishin, A.A. Fannestil^[21]; E.Y. Leib, K.A. Vakhovskaya^[22]; L.A. Glazkov^[23]; A.A. Nesterov^[24]; N.A. Sbitneva, E.V. Tarasov, A. Erokhin^[25]. The problems of migration and the labor market are investigated by A. Zayonchkovskaya^[26]; Yu.F. Florinskaya, N.V. Mkrtchyan, T. M. Maleva, M.K. Kirillova^[27]. The imbalance of the labor market in the region is highlighted in articles by S. Penchev^[28]; L. Rodionov^[29]; O. Rodionov^[30] and other scientists.

In the above-mentioned studies of migration in Russia, much attention is paid to the construction of theoretical positions (Zh. Zaichkovskaya^[31], L. Rybakovsky^[32], V. Perevedentsev^[33]). In addition, scientists T. Zaslavskaya, R.V. Ryvkina^[34], V. Staroverov^[35], V. Likhoded^[36], JI. Korel^[37] and A. Sergienko^[38] touched upon the problem of pendulum migration and urbanization, in particular, youth migration and the impact of the migration process on rural communities in Russia.

In Vietnam, migration is also an important object of social science research, in which authors such as Ha Phuong Tien and Ha Quang Ngoc^[39], Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam^[40], Dinh Quang Ha^[41], Le Bach Duong, Nguyen Thanh Liem^[42], Le Dang Bao Chau^[43] investigated the impact of migration on rural communities.

Young people migrating from rural areas to cities are considered the main group of migrants in Vietnam^[44]. However, the problems of young people migrating from rural to urban areas have not yet been comprehensively studied. Research on youth migration is mainly focused on the lives of young migrants in places of immigration, for example, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Nguyen Thi Hong Soan^[45], authors Luu Beach Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Thieng^[46], Nguyen Thanh Liem^[47]). Authors such as Luong Minh Ngoc, Lo Thui Dung and Do Kui Zuong^[48] are interested in the opportunities and problems of a group of migrants from ethnic minorities. In their works, Nhu Ngoc K. Pham, Mai Do, Wang H. Bui and Jang T. Nguyen^[49] are concerned about the vulnerability of young migrants in the city. All these studies show that young people who migrate from rural areas to urban areas often experience social and psychological difficulties in urban life.

In Vietnam, the majority of migrants are aged 15-39 years (which is 83.9% of the total number of migrants aged 15-59 years)^[50]. This result shows that a group of young migrants plays an important role in the process of rural-urban migration. Young people migrating from rural to urban areas have helped to recruit a large number of young migrant workers, contributing to the rejuvenation of the workforce in large cities. In addition, this migration process has led to the fact that rural communities in Vietnam are currently facing such serious problems as population aging, general population decline (mainly due to the migration of young people to cities), changes in the organization of family life (changes in relations between members, division of labor, production, work on at home, caring for children and the elderly in the family).

From the above issues, the author sees the need to assess the social impact of youth migration from rural areas to urban areas on rural communities in modern Vietnam, studying the case of Vinh Trach Dong commune in Bacleu province in order to more clearly see the changes in gender roles affecting the relationship between husband and wife, affecting the way children learn, affecting the elderly and affecting relations in society. Based on the research results, the author will provide reasonable support and management solutions to minimize negative impacts, support sustainable social development in rural areas, and increase community cohesion in modern Vietnam.

Methodology and methods

The present study is based on E.S. Lee's theoretical and methodological views on a more detailed study of the reasons influencing the decision of young people to migrate from villages to cities and their subsequent adaptation to a new environment (E.S. Lee's theory of repulsion and attraction factors); Stoufer's theory of interventionism; Zelinsky's theory of transition to mobility; Diaspora theory and Taylor's networks. Sociological approaches to migration theories study the determinants of migration, the stages of migration (especially rural-urban migration) and its dynamics. Personal networks of migrants, consisting of people with relatives, friends and people of common origin in the migration area, are also of interest to scientists. In addition, the theories of Vietnamese researchers about Vietnamese rural communities (Chan Tu, Phan Dai Doan, Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Bui Xuan Dinh, etc.); The theoretical source for the study of the article are the works of domestic and foreign authors studying rural communities in different historical periods.

The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the social consequences of youth migration from rural to urban areas to rural communities in modern Vietnam using the example of Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bacleu Province. Therefore, the article uses quantitative and qualitative research methods. There:

The quantitative research method is a questionnaire (N=811), which was conducted by the author from August to September 2024 in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bacleu province. The respondents were households in which relatives were young people who migrated from rural areas to cities between the ages of 16 and 35. The number of young people who migrated from rural areas to urban areas over the past 5 years (2019-2024) in Vinh Trach Dong, Bacleu province, is 1,414 households, including 811 households of young migrant workers in large cities, which is 57.3% of the total number of households currently living in the study area. territories. Thus, the selected sample size is 811 people representing all 811 households with young migrants living in the study area^[51]. In particular, using this method, the author will also assess the impact of young people migrating from rural areas to cities on changes in the life of rural communities in modern Vietnam.

The qualitative research method is semi–structured in-depth interviews (N=20) using a random sample of people living in rural communities in the province of Bacleu (an area where young people migrate from rural areas to cities). Unstructured in-depth interview questions aimed at clarifying changes in gender roles affecting marital relationships, how to educate children, the elderly, and community relations in rural communities in modern Vietnam.

Discussion of the results

The social impact of young people migrating from rural to urban areas to a rural community in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bacleu Province is reflected in profound changes in the social structure of the rural community. These impacts are clearly evident in the changing gender roles between men and women, marital relations, children's education, the impact on the elderly, and social cohesion.

Changing gender roles between men and women

When men migrate, the remaining women have to take on more responsibilities in the family, including financial management, agricultural production, and child care. We have already raised the issue of changing attitudes towards the roles of men and women in migrant families. The need to migrate to earn money has led to significant changes. Firstly, there are positive changes in the field of gender equality. For example, the absence of men for a long time forces women to make decisions on important family matters, including business or many types of household chores that they previously had to do. Secondly, a more common reality is that women go to the city to work, forming an independent and responsible attitude towards themselves and their families. And thirdly, men were forced to "stay at home", fulfilling traditional "female functions", forming new partnerships in Vietnam. Let's take a closer look at these changes.

The first statement reads: "Migrants and other family members demonstrate a responsible and caring attitude towards the family," showing the link between forced labor and family attitudes. According to the results of the study, families in Vintrachdong Province have a positive attitude towards migration opportunities. Respondents believe that each family member is maximally focused on well-being and the future. According to Table 1, 79% of respondents unequivocally agreed that spouses, both working and staying at home, demonstrate a caring attitude towards each other and towards the family as a whole. In other words, the majority of respondents believe that migration is an expression of love between husband and wife, children and parents (see Table 1).

Table 1. Respondents' opinions on the impact of migration on marital relations

The following statement shows the attitude towards changing roles in a migrant family, since when one spouse leaves, another takes his place, performing functions unusual for him. Rural and provincial residents often demonstrate a conservative attitude towards the roles of women and men. However, the statement "Husbands and wives change roles in the family equally" elicited the agreement of 54.5% of respondents, who generally demonstrate positive dynamics in the replacement of absent spouses and the fulfillment of unusual social roles. Qualitative research shows that gender stereotypes can change in a positive way: husbands are willing to share the work they have never done when their wives are forced to migrate, and women will have more decision-making power in the family when their husbands migrate. Here's how the informants wrote about it: "When my husband was in the city, I had to solve the problems that he was doing: buying grain, fertilizers, etc. (a woman, 40 years old). "When my wife is away and does hard work: sweeps the house, goes to the market and cooks, my wife does it, and this is a woman's job" (42-year-old man).

At the same time, 32.9% of respondents, or 1/3, disagree with the opinion that husband and wife should be interchangeable, which indicates that there is a problem with the degree of readiness to perform the functions of an absent person.

It affects marital relations

Migration affects marital relations through such manifestations as conflicts and conflicts over finances, roles in the family, doubts about fidelity, lack of mutual emotional support.

The following statement: "Life would be more difficult without a spouse" shows the physical, social and psychological readiness to live without a spouse. Thus, 36.6% of respondents "disagree" with this statement. This result is understandable, since there is a well-established social practice in which a family member is absent. In many families, there is a plan for the division of responsibilities and the necessary tasks are performed one after the other. However, from the point of view of psychological readiness, there may be an emotional deficit. 43% of respondents spoke about fear, insecurity, doubts and the fact that one of the spouses has to travel far for work. The departure of a migrant wife or husband is a serious test for the emotional state of the family. The respondents noted a feeling of distrust on the part of their spouse. When a husband lets his wife go to work, he feels insecure and afraid of his wife's behavior in the city. And the wife worries about the formation of bad habits. That is, there is uncertainty about observing family norms and traditions without the control of a husband or wife.

Research results show that men and women experience anxiety differently. Thus, men are more concerned about their wives' infidelities and non-compliance with family norms, while wives are concerned about bad habits and deviant behavior, mainly social norms. Immigrant women noted: "When we first got married, we argued about it all the time. My husband wouldn't let me go far to work. He said it was difficult in the city, I was afraid to go out and talked nonsense" (woman, 28 years old). or something like that."..Even now, he still gets angry and jealous sometimes, especially when he texts or calls, but I don't answer right away" (35-year-old woman). The migrant man also expressed his emotions.: "I can have a few drinks after work, but my wife grumbles all the time that I'll drink all the money..." (man, 38 years old).

Although there are still many problems and difficulties, there is a generally positive assessment of the relationship between husband and wife. Therefore, almost 45% of respondents consider this connection to be favorable. In confirmation of this, according to the results of an in-depth interview, the following comments from the informant can be cited: "My husband and I work together, although in summer he is the main earner, in winter we work together..." (a 40-year-old woman), "I work too far away, but when the opportunity arises to return, I immediately go because I miss home very much" (a man 35 years old). About 41% of respondents rated their relationship with their spouse as "normal" (see Table. 1), that is, there are conflicts and misunderstandings between husband and wife, which are typical for many families, but the overall situation is positive. "It's easier for a husband and wife to stay at home, do business together, and raise children together than to leave home" (60-year-old woman). "I haven't been home for a long time, so when I have the opportunity to stay at home, I try to take care of my family as much as possible, although I don't have any benefits at home like other family members. I also try to help people make up for love when we are apart" (man, 42 years old).

Despite existing fears and anxieties, in 80% of cases, spouses usually trust each other. However, the migration process is still difficult for the family, as it causes conflicts and misunderstandings between family members. An obstacle to migration is that it is difficult for a husband and wife to come to an absolute agreement. In fact, migration often causes great concern for the remaining family members due to the risk of marital breakdown. The difference in living standards and ethics between rural and urban areas is a source of risk and uncertainty.

Influence how children receive education

Differences in the ways of parenting. When parents migrate, children are often raised by grandparents or relatives. However, due to the generation difference, grandparents often use traditional parenting, leaning towards strict discipline, while parents approach more modern parenting methods. This leads to conflicts in the upbringing of children and affects their ability to adapt. In addition, the widening generation gap is also reflected in the declining bond between parents and children: the absence of parents for a long period of time can make children feel abandoned and are less likely to share their personal problems with their parents. Growing up, many children feel detached from their parents, they lack intimacy and trust, which affects their psychology and personality development.

Agreeing with the statement about the impact of migration on children's education, the majority of respondents (90.8%) agreed (see Figure 1) that migrants' monetary contributions and their experiences positively influence the perception of the importance of migration. Education of modern Vietnamese children. Thanks to the contributions of migrants, families can invest in modern equipment (for example, the purchase of computers, the installation of the Internet) and pay for additional classes.

Figure 1. Respondents' assessment of the impact of parental migration on education and parenting

Here's how the study participants themselves put it: "My children have the opportunity to learn foreign languages and study other subjects" (42-year-old woman). "It's expensive, of course, but my children still have to study, and I have to take care of the money so they can do it" (man, 37 years old). Here we are also talking about providing physical opportunities for studying in educational institutions. A woman who moved to the city said that her family has been investing in her children's education for many years in this way: "In recent years, I have bought more motorcycles so that my children can easily ride to school, ten kilometers from home to school. I advise everyone to buy a computer for their students. If they suddenly stop studying a subject, they can't do without a teacher" (43-year-old woman).

However, there are also negative consequences of the absence of a parent or parents at home. In 2019, the Vietnamese Institute of Sociology conducted a study on "Internal migration – impact on families and members." The research results show that migration can create better material conditions for children, but at the same time distracts parents from paying attention to the comprehensive development of their children. Many children grow up without parental support and supervision. Children in families whose parents have moved to the city for many years to work are easily influenced by antisocial groups.

Figure 2. Respondents' assessment of the impact of migration on children's social vulnerability

The lack of love and care encourages children and adolescents to seek this care outside the family. The respondents agreed with this; for example, 45.3% of the study participants acknowledged that children and adolescents from immigrant families are more trusting and open to social influence outside the family (see Figure 2). That is, the main agents of socialization are not parents, but children and adolescents, which is worrying. However, this situation is more typical for families where both parents work or have been absent for a long time. There were quite a few families (33%) who did not experience such difficulties and did not lose their emotional connection with their families (see Fig. 2).

Impact on the elderly

Youth migration increases the burden of care. Because when young people migrate, most of the responsibility for child care and household management falls on the shoulders of the elderly. Grandparents have to take responsibility for raising their grandchildren while they are old, which affects their health and spirit. In addition, older people suffer from neglect by their children: older people often want their children to take care of them in old age, but migration forces them to live alone or have only grandchildren around. This increases the feeling of loneliness and worsens mental health. A significant part of the impact of youth migration on the elderly is related to financial pressures: although some families receive remittances from their migrant children, they are not always sufficient to cover medical and living expenses. Some older people still have to work or depend on the help of neighbors. Hence, this leads to a deterioration in psychological health: feelings of abandonment, concern about the condition of children in the city, and prolonged separation can lead to older people suffering from depression, stress, or psychological illnesses. The results of in-depth interviews show: "In the past, older people often played the role of advisers and were at the center of important family decisions. However, with the absence of children, their role decreases, which makes them feel less valuable in the family..." (36-year-old woman).

Impact on changes in rural communities

Decreased community cohesion: As many young people leave the countryside to work in the city, cohesion between households in villages and communes is decreasing. Social activities such as festivals, cultural events, and mutual support for productive work are becoming less interesting. Migrant families often rarely participate in local events.

The gap between rich and poor is widening: when migrant relatives in some households send money back, they have better economic conditions for home repairs and asset purchases, while households in which no one works far away still maintain a low standard of living. This leads to a division of society into rich and poor, generating jealousy and distance between families.

Changing lifestyles and traditional values: Migrants returning to their hometowns can bring with them modern thinking and lifestyle from urban areas, changing their view of culture and traditions. Some people, as before, care less about the values of the community, while those who remain still maintain their old way of life, which leads to differences in their views on life. The family is the main and most important structural element of the Vietnamese village. In rural communities, family-clan-community are closely connected and depend on each other. Neighbors traditionally have close, intimate social relationships. However, the migration process brings its own changes to these relations, so 26.1% of the survey participants noted a deterioration. All respondents noted that the presence of migration fees pushes neighbors away from each other; they no longer provide assistance or emotional support. For example, a participant in an in-depth interview said: "Since many people in this field work far away and have money, they should buy a karaoke machine. It doesn't really suit me" (a 60-1 year old woman) or another opinion: "We often visit each other, help each other cook, clean, and exchange crops with each other." But now everything is being converted into real money, so everything is different" (43-year-old man); "People returning from the city talk only about money. Our village is called a dirty, ugly place. And it's sad to hear that" (male, 37 years old).

Reduction of the local workforce: Young people leave the countryside to work in the city, leading to a shortage of labor in agricultural production, animal husbandry and handicrafts. This is leading to the disappearance of some traditional professions, while increasing the burden on the elderly and women who stay at home as they have to take on more work.

Impact on security and order: When many people leave, rural areas can become more desolate, creating conditions for increased security problems such as theft and social evil. Migrant households often leave their homes unattended, easily becoming targets of illegal activities.

Changing land ownership patterns: Some households with good economic conditions have bought more land or invested in business projects due to remittances from migrant relatives. In contrast, low-income households may have to sell land to make ends meet, which increases property inequality in rural areas.

Increased dependence on remittances: As many households rely heavily on remittances from migrants, they tend to invest less in agricultural production or local economic development. This could weaken the driving force of economic development in rural areas, leading to further stagnation in some areas.

In short, labor migration affects not only individual families, but also changes the social structure in rural areas. Although migration brings economic benefits, without proper management and support, it can weaken traditional values, strengthen social divisions, and affect the sustainable development of local communities.

Propose solutions

In order to minimize the negative effects of migration and support sustainable economic development in rural areas, it is necessary to implement the following solutions::

Local economic development: Local authorities need to encourage investments in non-agricultural sectors such as agricultural processing, ecotourism services, and small industrial parks to create local jobs for young people.

Support for startups and vocational training: providing vocational training courses that meet the needs of the market, financial support for young people to start a business, helping them to be able to develop their careers right in their hometown.

Improve infrastructure and quality of life: invest in transportation systems, electricity, water, Internet, as well as health and education services to improve the quality of life and reduce the motivation of young people to leave their hometowns.

Strengthen ties with the community: develop emotional support programs for the elderly and children of migrant parents, creating conditions for them to have a healthy living environment and maintain social cohesion.

Migrant Support Policy: Improve working conditions in urban areas so that migrants can return home more easily, while ensuring their rights in the social security system.

Encourage flexible work models: Develop remote work and seasonal home work models to help young people balance work and family life.

Promote education and public awareness: Organize awareness campaigns about the impact of migration, encouraging people to develop a sustainable economy at the local level rather than depend on migrant remittances.

Thus, proper management and support of migration not only helps to reduce negative impacts, but also opens up opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development in rural areas, while strengthening community cohesion.

Recommendations

Based on the research results, the article offers some practical recommendations for minimizing the negative effects of migration and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of rural areas.:

Local economic development:

Local authorities need to encourage and create conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in rural areas, especially in the production, processing of agricultural products and public tourism services.

Create concentrated production areas and provide farmers with technology and technical support to increase productivity and income, thereby reducing migration pressures.

Strengthening vocational education and training:

Organize vocational training programs tailored to local needs, helping young people develop skills and create jobs right in their hometown.

Encourage the development of vocational education related to the reality of rural production to promote innovation in the world of work.

To improve the infrastructure and quality of service:

Invest in upgrading transportation, electricity, water supply, healthcare, and education systems in rural areas to improve the quality of life.

To develop local cultural, sports and entertainment centers so that young people have a comprehensive development environment and are more connected to society.

Support for migrant families:

To develop a policy of financial, psychological and social support for migrant families, especially children and the elderly, in order to minimize negative consequences.

Encourage family bonding activities, such as organizing meetings and exchange programs between migrants and families in their home country.

Strengthen the social protection system:

Improve health and social insurance systems for migrants and their families, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Develop support programs for people returning from migration, helping them to reintegrate and find employment opportunities at the local level.

To promote the development of closed economy models:

Encourage households to use local resources to develop a self-sufficient economy, reducing dependence on migrant incomes.

Support people in creating sustainable business models such as organic farming, ecotourism, or traditional crafts.

To promote communication and information education:

Organize communication programs to raise public awareness about the effects of migration and the benefits of local economic development.

Encourage public organizations and unions to actively participate in supporting migrants and their families.

Conclusions

This study analyzed the multidimensional impact of youth migration from rural to urban areas on the economy and society in modern Vietnam using the specific example of Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bac Liu Province. The results show that while migration helps many households improve their incomes and living conditions, it also causes social consequences, including changes in family structure, marital conflicts, impacts on children and the elderly, and changes in the nature of rural communities.

From an economic point of view, migrant remittances play an important role in supporting rural households' livelihoods. However, dependence on remittances can lead to stagnation of the local economy, when many people no longer have the motivation to work productively. In addition, the loss of a young workforce also affects the productivity of agriculture and traditional industries.

Socially, migration has created a gap between generations, weakening the bond between family members. Children grow up without parental care, older people have to take on more responsibility for caring for their grandchildren, and husband and wife face difficulties in maintaining a relationship due to geographical separation. Rural communities also suffer from the loss of youth, the weakening of cultural activities, beliefs and social cohesion.

Appropriate migration support policies are needed to minimize negative impacts and promote sustainable development. Local authorities need to invest in local economic development, creating more jobs to reduce migration pressures. In addition, improving the quality of education and vocational training in rural areas will help young people gain opportunities to develop without leaving their homeland. Migrant family support programs, including child care services, financial support for the elderly, and facilitating communication between migrants and families, are also important factors that need to be addressed.

In short, the migration of young people from rural areas to cities is an inevitable trend in the process of urbanization and economic development. However, in order to ensure the sustainable development of both rural and urban areas, effective governance and appropriate support policies are needed to balance economic benefits and social impacts. The implementation of strategic decisions not only helps to minimize the negative effects of migration, but also creates conditions for sustainable rural development in the context of Vietnam's modernization.