HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF POLITICS NGUYEN THI VAN CONFUCIANISM “THREE OBEDIENCES AND FOUR VIRTUES” THEORY AND ITS IMPACTS ON VIETNAMESE WOMEN NOWADAYS Major : CNDVBC & CNDVLS Code : 62 22 80 05 Summary of doctoral thesis HANOI - 2014 The work has been completed at Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Supervisor: Prof. Dr. NGUYEN HUNG HAU Defender No. 1: Defender No. 2: Defender No. 3: The Thesis will be defended in front of Thesis Defense Committee at Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics At hour day month 2014 Further information: National Linbrary of Vietnam and Library of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics 1 INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale Confucianism was born in Spring and Autumn- Warring States Period. This is the most turbulent time with significant fluctuations in Chinese history.In such context, Confucianismfollowers explained social matters and wished to find out the methods in order to bring the society frompolitical chaos to prosperity. One of those methods is human ethics education. Human ethics education of Confucianismfocused on fundamental categories such as ThreeBonds (King-teacher-father), FivePrecepts (Diligence - Temperance - Dignity - Integrity - Fortitude), and legitimacy theory. For women, the Confucianismeducated through Three Obediences and Four Virtues. Confucianism was brought to our country in the Chinese domination of Vietnam. When Confucianism came into Vietnam, it was modified to suit the the peaceful nature of the Vietnamese people. In the feudal period, Vietnam feudal class used Confucianismas a tool to establish the social stability and order, and to maintain thedomination of ruling class. Among ethics contents of Confucianism, Three Obediences and Four Virtues were fundamental ethics education categories for women. This ideology affected the role, position, and life of Vietnamese women intensively. Besides positive values, “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory had many negative impacts, which bound Vietnamese women into the fedal norm, and limited the development of women. However along the history, “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory still remains its values which contributes to the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. Nowadays, fedal socio-economic basis no longer exists; however, the Confucianismideology in general; “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory in particular still existsto a certain extent and affects Vietnamese women in both positive and negative sides. Its negative impacts are relected through male supremacyand marriage imposition … which are the reasons for family violence and gender inequality in our country. Thirty years after the Doi Moi (1986), our country gained many significant achievements in different fields, among which economic renovation is the foundation. However, the Renovation of the Vietnamese Communist Party not only focuses on economic field but also on comprehensive renovation, including the renovation of human and human liberation. The Communist Party always considers the people as the most 2 important factor, in which the women account for large proportion and play an important role in families and the society. The renovation leads to changes in evaluation criteria of the society and family towards the women in order to meet new demands of the period. Nowadays, Vietnamese women must focus on comprehensive beauty andknowledge, be good at both public and family matters, and participate in social activities actively If the rules and norms of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory are used in an appropriate way, it will become an important factor to enhance the position and role of women in the Vietmanese modern society. It leads to the fact that it is necessary to study current status and impacts of Confucianism “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory among Vietnamese women nowadays in order to promote the positive values and to limit negative impacts on the women’sliberation. From the theoritical and practical basis above, I choose the topic: " Confucianism“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory and its impacts on Vietnamese women" for my dotoral thesis 2. Objectives and tasks of research thesis 2.1. Research objectives In order to clarify main contents of Confucianism“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory in China and Vietnam, analyze its impacts, this thesis proposes some view points and measures to promote its positive values and to limit negative impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays. 2.2. Research tasks - To clarify basic contents of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory of Chinese confucianismand Vietnamese Confucianism. - To clarifu curent status of positive and negative impacts of Confucianism “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory on Vietnamese women in the past and nowadays. - To propose some measures for promoting its positive values and to limit negative impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays. 3. Research objects and scope of study 3.1. Research objects The thesis focuses on clarifying some basic contents in Confucianism“Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory and its impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays 3.2. Scope of study - The thesis focuses on studying the impacts of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory on Vietnamese women nowadays 3 4. Theoritical basis and research methodology 4.1. Theoritical basis - The thesis relies on the theoritical basis of Marxism and Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s Thoughts, guidlines and view points of the Communist Party, and State policies on women. - The thesis refers to classic works of Confucianismand previous researches. 4.2. Research methodology The thesis uses the methodology of Marxism and Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s Thoughts; close combination of theories and practice, analysis, logics, history, statistics, comparision, and pratical summary 5. Scientific contribution of the thesis - The thesis give an overview about basic contents of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory in ChineseConfucianismand Vietnamese Confucianism. - The thesis further analyzes the positive and negative impacts of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory on Vietnamese women nowadays. - From positive, negative impacts and contradictions that exist in real social issues, the thesis proposes some points of view and measures in order to promote the positive values and to limit the negative impacts of “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theoryon Vietnamese women nowadays. 6. Theoritical and practical meanings of the thesis 6.1. Theoritical meanings The thesis clarifies “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory of Confucianismand its impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays. 6.2. Practical meanings - The research results of this thesis may be used as reference for planning and executing policieson women affairs by the Communist Party and the State nowadays. - The thesis many be used as reference for studying Confucianismin Vietnam, role, and position of Vietnamese women nowadays. 7. Structure of the thesis In addition to the preamble, conclusion, and reference, this thesis is consisted of 4 chapters, 11 sections. Chapter 1 OVERVIEW ON TOPIC-RELATED STUDIES 4 1.1. Research work on Confucianism ethics and “Three Obedience and Four Virtues” theory in Confucianism Studies on Confucianism ethics in general and “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory in particular: Dao Duy Anh (1938), Confucianism Essay Reviews,Quan Hai Tung Thu Publisher, Hue; Tran Trong Kim (2006), Confucianism,Culture and Information Publisher, Hanoi; Phan Boi Chau (1998), Confucianism, Culture and Information Publisher, Hanoi; Quang Dam (1994),Confucianismin the past and nowadays, Literature Publisher, Hanoi; Tran Van Giau (1985),Traditional spiritual Value in Vietnam, Social science Publisher, Hanoi; Quang Dam (1994), Confucianismin the past and nowadays, Literature Publisher, Hanoi; Phan Dai Doan (1998), Some Confucianismissues in Vietnam,National Political Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Dang Duy (1998), Confucianismand Vietnamese Culture, Hanoi Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Hung Hau (2010), Introduction to philosophy history in Vietnam,National Political Publisher, Hanoi; Vu Ngoc Khanh (1998), Vietnamese family culture, Ethnic Culture Publisher; Vu Khieu (1991), Confucianismin the past and nowadays, Social science Publisher, Hanoi; Vu Khieu (1995), Confucianismand families, Social science Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Thi Nga - Ho Trong Hoai (2003), Confucianismconcept on human education, National Political Publisher, Hanoi. 1.2. Studies on “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” theory’s impacts on Vietnamese women nowadays “Three obediences, four virtues” theory has considerably affected Vietnamese women nowadays. Therefore, there have had a number of research works related to this matter. Typical examples for this are the works of authors Phan Manh Toan (2011)Benevolence and propriety’s effects on the current ethical lives in Vietnam , Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation; Phan Huy Le – Vu Minh Giang (chief editor) (1994), Traditional values and Vietnamese people,Volume 2, State-level science and technology program KX 07, theme KX 07-02, Hanoi. Tran Nguyen Viet (2002) is the author of writing titled "Vietnamese traditional ethical values and ethical all-humankind universality in the market economy”, Philosophical Journal, (5); Nguyen Tai Thu (2002) is the author of writing titled "Confucianism and current industrialization and modernization in Vietnam” , Philosophical Journal, (5); Le Thi Quy 1993) is the author of writing titled “Confucianism and current family culture”, Cultural and Art Research Journal, (4-112); Le Van Quan (1997) is known as 5 the author of writing titled "Lễ giáo Nho gia phong kiến curbing the current development of Vietnamese women",Cultural and Art Journal, (01-151); Nguyen Thi Kim Loan(2003) is known as the author of writing titled "Confucianism and cultural behavior of Vietnamese common people in the marital relationship and family", Cultural and Art Journal, (04-226). 1.3. Research works specifying viewpoints and solutions for the promotion of positive effects and limitation of negative effects by the “Three obediences, Four virtues” theory on Vietnamese present women Disseminating and educating quality and ethics of Vietnamese women in the cause of national industrialization and modernization- Program 343, The Ministry of Education and Training; Hard-working, good appearance, well-spoken, well-behaved nowadays by Le Thi Bung, Nguyen Thi Van Huong ; Effects of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory on Vietnamese in ancient and present times- University-level scientific research theme by Hoang Thi Thuan; Duong Thi Minh (2004) – University of Education , the Book titled “Vietnamese family and roles of women in present time”, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Le Minh(1997), the Book titled “Vietnamese women in the family and society”, Labor Publishing House; Le Thi (2004), the Book titled “ Family, Vietnamese women and population, culture and sustainable development”, Social Science Publishing House, Hanoi; (2006). The works has clarified basic categories and principles of the Confucianism: concepts and contents of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory in the development history of the Confucianism in China and Confucianism in Vietnam; summarizing some traditional ethical characteristics of Vietnamese people and specifying remains of Confucianism ethics required to eliminate in the cause of building socialism in Vietnam; demonstrating causes of feudal ethical remains and several orientations for eliminating its negative effects and promote its positive effects on Vietnamese present women. Nevertheless, there have not had any independent, systematic and in- depth works summarizing and analyzing the “three obediences, four virtues” theory and its positive and negative effects on Vietnamese women. Besides, there have not had any synchronizing and effective works proposing viewpoints and solutions for the promotion of its positive effects and limitation of its negative effects on Vietnamese people. This is a space requiring the author to continue studies and clarification. 6 Chapter 2 CONFUCIANISM-BASED “THREE OBEDIENCES, FOUR VIRTUES” THEORY 2.1. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism in China 2.1.1. Origin of Confucianism 2.1.1.1. Socio-economic bases for the formation of Confucianism Confucianism was founded at the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period in China. It is considered as the period of the most changes. This period appeared a number of social conflicts making social orders be upsetted; therefore, it is required to build a new social model towards a disciplinary society. Moreover, it also marked the establishment and development of many philosophical schools including Confucianism. The Confucianism founded is for establishing a feudalism-concentrated social management model 2.1.1.2. Political, cultural and ideological premises for the formation of Confucianism in China The Confucianism was founded based on inheriting cultural and ideological premises previously developed at the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period in China. Firstly, cultural premises. In this period, China soundly developed inventions in a series of aspects like astronomy, mathematics, medical science and political ideologies. Secondly, ideological premises are the ideologies related to religion, ethical thoughts of Zhou Dynasty. Zhou Dynasty highly appreciated the thoughts of “God-worship”, “reception of peoples”, “virtuous’, “dutiful”. These ideologies have affected the Confucian, as bases for building basic categories over their theories such as Three bonds – Five Precepts, True name, Three obediences – Four virtues, etc. 2.1.1.3. Confucius- founder of the Confucianism theory Confucius (551 - 479 B.C) is the founder of Confucianism. He often travelled to of preach the methods of national governance. In the upset socio-economic situations of Zhou Dynasty, he founded the Confucianism theory in the aim of directing human beings towards their true name. Thereby, a new society is disciplinary, peaceful and prosperous. 2.1.2. Positions of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory in Confucianism ethics in China and their relationship 7 2.1.2.1. Position of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory in Confucianism ethics in China Firstly, Confucianism focuses on building gentleman for social ruling, thereby not discussing women a lot. Nonetheless, “three obediences, four virtues” theory was still mentioned when integrating it with other categories such as three bonds, five precepts, true name. Secondly, Confucianism considers family as a minimized society and society as an extended family; therefore, the “three obediences, four virtues” theory in the system of Confucianism ethics has been founded to stabilize social order. Thirdly, underlying purpose of the “three obediences, four virtues” theory is for protecting status of the ruling class. Fourthly, the “three obediences, four virtues” theory is the most important standard, the most basic requirement of Confucianism ethics over women. There is the integral relationship between them, helping women possess a finished beauty under the Confucianism’s standards 2.1.2.2. Relationship between the “three obediences” theory and the “four virtues” theory over Confucianism in China The similarity between the “three obediences” theory and the “four virtues” theory is rules and standards compulsory for women. The differences between them are shown on scope and the mentioned subject. Three obediences (三從) were originated from Rituals and Funeral Clothing. Tu Ha story wrote: 1. Submission to her father before her marriage (在家從父): She must submit to her father before her marriage; 2. Submission to her husband during her marriage (出嫁從夫): she must submit to her husband during her marriage; 3. Submission to her son when being widowed (夫死從子): if her husband dies, she must submit to her son. Four virtues includehard-working (婦功), good appearance (婦容), well-spoken (婦言) and well-behaved (婦行): 1. Hard working: She is clever for cooking and housework. Nevertheless, jobs for ancient women include sewing, embroiling, cooking and trading work. A good woman possesses musical instrument playing, chess playing, poem composing and painting abilities. 8 2. Good appearance: A woman must be affable, neat and respects her outward appearance. 3. Well-spoken: Spoken words must be gentle and deliberate. 4. Well-behaved: At home, she must be well-mannered, respects older people and gives up to younger people, pampers her husband and loves her children, gets on with relatives of her husband’s family. In the society, she must be modest, mature and snobbish. 2.1.4. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory in the development history of Confucianism in China 2.1.4.1. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of primitive Confucianism Confucius and Mercius established the “three obediences, four virtues” theory to teach women. In terms of four virtues, Confucius especially appreciated the “virtue” of women. Virtue is the base of Hardworking- Good appearance- Well-spoken. In terms of virtues for parents, Confucius especially respects the dutifulness. Mercius also requested the women to “obey” their husband and human’s family. 2.1.4.2. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism in Han Dynasty In late Warring States period, Qin Dynasty used “legal ruling” to unify and rule the country. Dong Trong Thu was the person making considerable contributions to the restoration of Confucianism after “burning books and burying scholars” by Qin Shi Huang. In terms of women’s roles, Dong Trong Thu put forward the thought of “obeying their husband in everything" – the wife must obey anything that her husband has said regardless of rightness or wrongness. Confucianism in Han Dynasty became an effective mental ruling tool of the centralized autocratic state. Therefore, the “three obediences, four virtues” theory is more strict to women, known as a base with paternalistic and patriarchal thoughts. 2.1.4.3. “Three obediences, four virtues” theory of Confucianism in Song Dynasty For women, Confucianism strengthens the ideology “Male Supremacy” (to value men above women)", "Father - Husband - Son". More unfortunately, Confucianism has the extreme view about a woman's virginity. Cheng Yisaid that: "starve is the little, losing the virginity is the biggest." This isthe most typical evidence for the grim and strict Confucian for women. [...]... of Education Nguyen Thi Van (2013), "Ảnh hưởng quan niệm về đức hạnh trong Nho giáo đối với người phụ nữ Việt Nam hiện nay" , Education Magazine, (9), p.75-77, 85 Nguyễn Thi Van (2013), "Quan niệm về "Dung" trong "Tứ đức" của Nho giáo đối với người phụ nữ" , Propaganda, (11), p.54-57 Nguyen Thi Van (2013), "Giáo dục đạo đức thông qua tục ngữ, ca dao, dân ca Việt Nam" , Educational Science Magazine, (98),... đạo đức thông qua tục ngữ, ca dao, dân ca Việt Nam" , Educational Science Magazine, (98), p.48-51 Nguyen Thi Van (Co-author) (2013), Quan niệm về đạo làm người trong hoành phi, câu đối ở miền Bắc Việt Nam, Ministry-level research of 2013-2014, Hanoi National University of Education Nguyen Thi Van (Chief Author) (2013), Công, dung, ngôn,hạnh trong Nho giáo và ảnh hưởng của nó đối với người phụ nữ Việt Nam. .. obediences and four virtues in particular for Vietnamese women in modern society can be discovered BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Nguyen Thi Van (2010), "Công, Dung, Ngôn, Hạnh với phụ nữ Việt Nam hiện nay" , Magazine of Human resource development, (03), p.46-52 Nguyen Thi Van (2010), "Tâm lý ứng xử truyền thống và hiện đại của phụ nữ Việt Nam" , Population & Development, (4), p.29-32... Nam hiện nay, Research code -10-506, Hanoi National University of Education Nguyen Thi Van(2014), Đạo đức - Một giá trị được tôn vinh trong tục ngữ, ca dao, dân ca Việt Nam, Kỷ yếu Hội thảo khoa học: "Đạo làm người trong văn hóa Việt Nam" , National Political Publishing House, Hanoi Nguyen Thi Van(2014), Giáo dục đạo đức thông qua tục ngữ, ca dao, dân ca Việt Nam, Kỷ yếu Hội thảo khoa học: "Đạo làm người. .. Fifthly, the status of Vietnamese women had "softened" the theory of three submissions and four virtues 11 Compared with China, the status of Vietnamese women has been raised a lot and assigned the important tasks In Vietnam, women are considered "Internal Queen" of the family The reason for this is that Vietnamese family model is different from the Chinese family model Vietnam family model typically... affected the social life of the East Asian countries, including Vietnam It is worth noting that Confucianism in Vietnam was converted with a number of contents or in other words, it was "softened" and "refracted" to suit Vietnamese life Therefore, in Vietnam, the negative nature of this theory has decreased more than Confucian in 12 China In Vietnam, the status of women is respected than women in other Asian... Hanoi Nguyen Thi Van(2014), Giáo dục đạo đức thông qua tục ngữ, ca dao, dân ca Việt Nam, Kỷ yếu Hội thảo khoa học: "Đạo làm người trong văn hóa Việt Nam" , National Political Publishing House, Hanoi Nguyen Thi Van(2014), "Đạo làm người trong hoành phi, câu đối của dòng họ Vũ tỉnh Hải Dương", Education Magazine, (Special edition), May 2014 Nguyen Thi Van(2014), "Sử dụng ca dao, tục ngữ trong giảng dạy... three submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism 2.2.3 Overview of the content and feature of the theory of three submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism 10 2.3.3.1 The contents of the theory of three submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism The contents of the theory of three submissions and four virtues in Vietnamese Confucianism have been shown in the... chỉ dẫn của Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh", Politics Magazine, (9), p.78-82 Nguyen Thi Van (Co-author) (2011), Ethics Course book, Publishing House of Hanoi National University of education, Hanoi Nguyen Thi Van (Co-author) (2012), Vận dụng ca dao, tục ngữ vào giảng dạy phần Triết học môn “Những nguyên lý cơ bản của chủ nghĩa Mác – Lênin” cho sinh viên ở Hanoi National University of Education hiện nay, University-level... a profound influence on the Vietnamese life and people Confucian contributed to build the national traditions, ideology and culture and the image of Vietnam women from traditional style to modern style The most noteworthy thing is that when it existed in Vietnam, Confucianism was not completely stereotyped as Chinese Confucian that it has been modified to fit the Vietnamese tradition 2.2.2 Factors changing . Chinese domination of Vietnam. When Confucianism came into Vietnam, it was modified to suit the the peaceful nature of the Vietnamese people. In the feudal period, Vietnam feudal class used Confucianismas. Confucianismand Vietnamese Culture, Hanoi Publisher, Hanoi; Nguyen Hung Hau (2010), Introduction to philosophy history in Vietnam,National Political Publisher, Hanoi; Vu Ngoc Khanh (1998), Vietnamese family. Vietnam; summarizing some traditional ethical characteristics of Vietnamese people and specifying remains of Confucianism ethics required to eliminate in the cause of building socialism in Vietnam;