Dimensions of gender relations and reproductive health inequity perceived by female undergraduate students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam: a qualitative exploration

Introduction Increasing evidence indicates that gender equity has a significant influence on women’s health; yet few culturally specific indicators of gender relations exist which are applicable to health. This study explores dimensions of gender relations perceived by female undergraduate students in southern Vietnamese culture, and qualitatively examines how this perceived gender inequity may influence females’ sexual or reproductive health. Methods Sixty-two female undergraduate students from two universities participated in eight focus group discussions to talk about their perspectives regarding national and local gender equity issues. Results Although overall gender gaps in the Mekong Delta were perceived to have decreased in comparison to previous times, several specific dimensions of gender relations were emergent in students’ discussions. Perceived dimensions of gender relations were comparable to theoretical structures of the Theory of Gender and Power, and to findings from several reports describing the actual inferiority of women. Allocation of housework and social paid work represented salient dimensions of labor. The most salient dimension of power related to women in positions of authority. Salient dimensions of cathexis related to son preference, women’s vulnerability to blame or criticism, and double standards or expectations. Findings also suggested that gender inequity potentially influenced women’s sexual and reproductive health as regards to health information seeking, gynecological care access, contraceptive use responsibility, and child bearing. Conclusion Further investigations of the associations between gender relations and different women’s sexual and reproductive health outcomes in this region are needed. It may be important to address gender relations as a distal determinant in health interventions in order to promote gender-based equity in sexual and reproductive health.

The Council on Foreign Relations and the Grand Area: Case Studies on the Origins of the IMF and the Vietnam War

This article examines the role of corporate elites within the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in establishing the framework for the IMF and the rationale for the Vietnam War. Drawing on the CFR's War-Peace Study Groups, established in World War II as a conduit between corporate elites and the U.S. government, the author first analyzes the role of corporate power networks in grand area planning. He shows that such planning provided a framework for postwar foreign and economic policymaking. He then documents the relationship between corporate grand area planning and the creation of the IMF. The analysis concludes with an examination of the relationship between grand area planning and the Vietnam War.

Caged prisoner in Anti-Vietnam demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Women against the war in Vietnam and in support of Vietnamese women

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Congresswoman Bella Abzug at night demonstration in Times Square protesting the Vietnam War

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Jane Fonda at press conference after returning from Vietnam

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Jane Fonda at press conference about involvement with Vietnam (Anti-Vietnam press conference)

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-Vietnam protest in Washington, D.C.

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Armed Forces Day (Veterans Day)

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-Vietnam demonstration in Central Park

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-Vietnam war protester

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-war, Anti-Vietnam protesters sitting in Times Square, blocking traffic

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-Vietnam demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Anti-Vietnam demonstration, New York City

Inscriptions: Verso: [stamped] Credit must be given to Leinwand from Monkmeyer Press Photo Service].

Anti-Vietnam demonstration, New York City

General note: Title provided by Freda Leinwand.