Abstract of the doctoral dissertation by Nguyen Thi Thu Ha

INTRODUCTION

1. Reasons for choosing the topic

The process of promoting industrialization and modernization in Vietnam over the past years has achieved many great and important achievements in terms of scale, nature, and depth, creating a solid foundation for the country to enter a new stage of development. Throughout this journey, the Vietnamese working class has played a crucial role and is one of the decisive factors in the success or failure of the country's industrialization and modernization efforts. As the central force in the industrialization and modernization process, the Vietnamese working class holds important material and technical foundations and advanced means of production, determining the direction of economic development. Although the working class accounts for only a small percentage of the total population, it is the labor force that contributes the most to the state budget.

Along with the consistent implementation of the multi-sector economic development policy; the continued improvement of the socialist-oriented market economy institutions; the acceleration of industrialization, modernization, and international economic integration; and the development of a knowledge-based economy, the Vietnamese working class is undergoing profound changes in many aspects, including significant structural transformations.

The transformation in the number of workers across economic sectors has led to significant and noteworthy changes, not only in the nature of ownership types but also in many other aspects: skill levels, income levels, property rights, and class consciousness. This reality has resulted in stratification within the working class.

The development of a knowledge-based economy in the context of globalization has led to an increase in the general level of education, professional qualifications, and vocational skills among the Vietnamese working class in recent years. However, the demands for qualifications vary greatly across different industries and economic sectors. Therefore, differentiation in educational and professional qualifications is inevitable. This inevitability leads to another inevitability: differentiation in wages, bonuses, or income in general. Within the Vietnamese working class today, there is a significant income disparity, sometimes tens of times greater, not only between different industries and economic sectors but also within the same industry or economic sector.

Furthermore, the dramatic increase in the number of workers in recent years has resulted in a non-homogeneous composition of the working class. The influx of rural laborers into the workforce has led to a disparity in background, uneven levels of political awareness, and a lack of the high degree of ideological unity, organizational discipline, and industrial work ethic that existed previously. Workers from rural areas and those primarily engaged in manual labor will be the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and susceptible to harm. At the same time, a segment of workers with advantages, high incomes, and high social status has emerged.

Differences in skill levels, occupations, and interests will give rise to ideological, ideological, and organizational risks, weakening the solidarity within the working class and seriously affecting the progress in fulfilling its historical mission.

It is evident that the current shortcomings in the structure of the Vietnamese working class significantly affect the pace of development of the working class in particular and the process of industrialization and modernization of the country in general. This is because the structure of the working class reflects the current state of the economic structure and the human resource development strategy in our country. Therefore, in addition to the task of developing in quantity and improving in quality, the issue of perfecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class is also urgently and objectively raised. Thus, surveying the current state of the Vietnamese working class structure to understand the problems arising from this structure, and on that basis proposing solutions to improve the structure of the working class to better meet the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, is an important task with profound practical significance. For these reasons, the doctoral candidate has chosen the topic:"The structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country"I'm working on my thesis.

2. Research Objectives and Tasks

2.1. Research Objectives

Based on clarifying general theoretical issues regarding the structure of the working class, the current situation, and the challenges arising from the structure of the Vietnamese working class, this dissertation proposes a system of solutions to improve the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

2.2. Tasks

- Overview of scientific works related to the dissertation topic

- To clarify general theoretical issues regarding the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- Analyze the current situation and the challenges arising from the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- Propose a system of solutions to improve the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization.

3. Research Subjects and Scope

3.1. Research Subjects

The structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

3.2. Scope of the study

Regarding content: The dissertation studies the structure of the Vietnamese working class through four basic structural types: economic sector structure; economic industry structure; skill level structure; and wage and income structure.

Regarding the timeframe: This dissertation studies the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country, from 1996 to the present.

4. Research Methodology

4.1. Methodological Basis

This dissertation is based on the Marxist-Leninist perspective, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the social-class structure; on the structure of the working class and the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

4.2. Specific methods

Based on the methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, to achieve its research objectives, the dissertation also employs methods such as analysis-synthesis, induction, deduction, historical-logical, comparison, statistics, and forecasting to study and interpret theoretical and practical issues, and to propose solutions to improve the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

5. Novel contributions of the thesis

- To develop a concept of the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- Clarify the factors affecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- A comprehensive analysis of the current situation and challenges facing the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- Propose several solutions to improve the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

6. Scientific and practical significance of the thesis

- Contributing to affirming the scientific and revolutionary nature of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought regarding the role of the Vietnamese working class in general and the structural role of the Vietnamese working class in particular during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization.

- To provide some valuable scientific arguments for reference in the process of formulating and planning policies related to the development of the working class and the improvement of the working class structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

- To be used as a reference in the research and teaching of content related to the working class and the structure of the Vietnamese working class within the education system.

7. Structure of the thesis

Besides the introduction, conclusion, and bibliography, the thesis is divided into 4 chapters and 9 sections.

 

CONTENTS OF CHAPTER 1

OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH SITUATION

RELATED TO THE TOPIC

1.1. Research works related to the general theory of the working class structure and the working class structure in Vietnam.

1.1.1. Research works related to the general theory of the working class structure

Foreign scholars studying the working class in capitalist countries unanimously agree that the composition of the working class is constantly changing as capitalism develops new technologies. A representative theory of this viewpoint is:The theory of the new working classwith prominent representatives such as Serge Mallet (1927-1973) - a French political activist, journalist, and sociologist, and Roberta Wood (2019) with her article "Convention discussion: The changing composition of the working class”Published on the website of the American Communist Party. More specifically, authors William E. Thompson, Joseph V. Hickey and Mica L. Thompson (2007) in the book "Society in Focus" has identified four different segments within the American and Canadian working class: "white-collar workers," "yellow-collar workers," "blue-collar workers," and "pink-collar workers."

In Russia, since 1991, the issue of the working class has been rarely discussed, and if it has, it has only been to a limited extent, briefly, and based on different theoretical foundations than before due to the change in the political regime.

In China, many researchers argue that the current Chinese working class is a labor group whose primary source of income is wages, including factory workers, scientific and technical personnel (including teachers), service sector employees, civil servants in Party and government agencies, as well as farmers who migrate to cities for additional work. Under the influence of economic development policies, the structure of the Chinese working class has undergone a dramatic transformation, completely different from the pre-reform period. Authors representing this viewpoint include Wang Shi Yuan, in her article ""The transformation of the contemporary Chinese working class structure"(Published in An Thuan Academy Journal, No. 2, Volume 15, April 2014); Hoang Huc Dong in the article “"The working-class theory of classical Marxist authors and the new developments of the contemporary Chinese working class"(Published in Gang Han Discussion Journal, No. 1-2009); My Hai Ba with the article “Theory on the situation of the contemporary Chinese working class.” (published in Guangzhou University Journal, Issue 2, Volume 17, No. 2/2018); and Liu Haijun in the article “The logic of capital and the transformation of the contemporary Chinese working class structure.(Published in Dalian Liuning Magazine 116026).

In Vietnam, based on the worldview and methodology of Marxism-Leninism, scholars have also put forward their own conceptions ofmodern working class structureIn line with new conditions and circumstances, most authors unanimously affirm that the development of science and technology, along with adjustments by the bourgeoisie, has profoundly transformed the economies of capitalist countries, thus leading to a significant and diverse transformation of the working-class structure. Typical examples of this view include Nguyen The Luc (2007) in his article..."Characteristics of the working class in developed capitalist countries";Nguyen Hoang Giap, Trinh Thi Hoa (2007) in the article “The role of the working class in developing countries in the current period”, published in the Proceedings of the Scientific Conference “The Historical Mission of the Working Class in the Process of Developing Post-Industrial Civilization”; Nguyen Thi Que, Nguyen Hoang Giap (2010) with the book “The Working Class in Developed Capitalist Countries from the Post-Cold War to the Present, Current Situation and Prospects” and Nguyen An Ninh (2016) in the article “Some Issues on the Working Class and Socialism in the Current Context”.

1.1.2. Research works related to the general theory of the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

Regarding the structure of the Vietnamese working class, researchers have pointed out new aspects in the structure of the working class after the period of reform and accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country. Based on different criteria, authors have presented their views on how to classify the structure of the working class (author Do Nguyen Phuong (1989) in the article...)."The current state of the social structure of the Vietnamese working class and trends of change"; author Bui Dinh Bon (1997) in the book “Some issues concerning the Vietnamese working class today.”); points out the requirements to note when studying the structure of the Vietnamese working class (author Nguyen Vu (1986) in the article “Several research issues concerning the social structure of the Vietnamese working class today.”).

In addition, the authors also pointed out the factors affecting the transformation of the working class structure and affirmed that industrialization and modernization are the most important factors, such as: author Cao Van Luong (2001) in the book "Industrialization, modernization, and the development of the working class.”; author Tran Ngoc Son (2001) in the dissertation “The development of the Vietnamese working class and its role in the country's industrialization and modernization.". author Duong Xuan Ngoc (2008) in the book "The Vietnamese working class in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country.” and author Pham Van Giang (2017) in his doctoral dissertation in philosophy with the topic “The transformation of the Vietnamese working class under the impact of current international integration."

In the three books "Some issues concerning the working class and trade unions in Vietnam.”, “The Vietnamese working class and the knowledge economy (late 20th and early 21st centuries)and"Rethinking the working class - the knowledge economy and the knowledge worker"In his book "The Author Van Tao (1997, 2007, 2008), the need to develop a new definition of the working class was analyzed, especially the need to broaden the scope of the working class to be consistent with the knowledge economy and the emergence of the intellectual workforce."

Author Nguyen An Ninh (2008), in the book "Regarding the current trend of workerization in our country.This study focuses on analyzing the differentiation and stratification within the Vietnamese working class today. From this, the author points out the consequences and proposes solutions to the problem of stratification within the Vietnamese working class.

In the book “Contemporary Vietnamese social life - The living conditions of workers: their status, risks, and survival strategies."Nguyen Duc Loc (editor) (2015) added a new perspective to the topic of workers through an analysis of workers' perceptions when talking about their position and role in society."

1.2. Research studies related to the current situation and solutions for improving the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

1.2.1. Research studies related to the current state of the Vietnamese working class structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

When studying the current state of the Vietnamese working class structure, authors all affirm that, compared to the pre-reform period, the post-reform period, especially since Vietnam accelerated industrialization and modernization, has seen significant changes in the working class structure, following trends such as: a decrease in the proportion of workers in the state-owned economic sector, an increase in the workforce in the non-state and foreign-invested economic sectors; a more diverse and varied occupational structure; positive changes in skill levels; and income stratification within the working class… Representing this viewpoint are authors such as Dang Ngoc Tung (2008, 2011) in his two books:Building and promoting the role of the Vietnamese working class in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country." and "Building the Vietnamese working class in the period 2011-2020”; author Nguyen Trong Chuan (2009) in the article “Trends in the development of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization, modernization, and international integration.”; authors Hoang Chi Bao, Nguyen Viet Thong, Bui Dinh Bon (2010) in the book “Some issues in the development of theoretical frameworks concerning the Vietnamese working class in the context of a market economy, accelerated industrialization, modernization, and international integration.”; author Pham Van Giang (2016) in the article: “The structure of the Vietnamese working class over 30 years of reform." and author Vu Quang Tho (2016) in the book "The Vietnamese working class and trade unions today - challenges and prospects."

1.2.2. Research works related to solutions for improving the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

Regarding solutions, most published books and journal articles have yet to offer a systematic approach to perfecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of the country's industrialization and modernization. Published works have only focused on solutions for building the working class in general, without providing solutions that directly and specifically impact the structure of the working class.

1.3. Overview of valuable results from previous studies and issues requiring further clarification in the dissertation.

Scientists largely agree that the working class is a direct product of industrial production, developing and transforming alongside the development of modern industry. In socialist countries, the working class has seized power, becoming, together with the working people, masters of the main means of production and masters of society. The current worldwide historical mission of the working class remains the transition from capitalism to socialism and communism. The structure, number, and quality of the working class have undergone many changes compared to the time of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels; especially the changes in structure.

Besides the similarities, there are also many issues that continue to be debated and differing opinions, thereby opening up new avenues of research to further enrich the theoretical treasury of Marxism-Leninism.

Regarding the Vietnamese working class and its structure, the authors all agree on the following concept:

- The Vietnamese working class consists of wage earners working in industrial and industrial-related service sectors, present in all economic sectors, industries, and regions. The Vietnamese working class has become the fundamental productive force of society. The historical mission of the Vietnamese working class today is to lead the entire society in successfully implementing the industrialization and modernization of the country.

Despite some points of agreement, studies on the structure of the Vietnamese working class still raise issues that require further analysis and clarification.The first,Currently, three different terms have been used by authors to analyze the structure of the Vietnamese working class. So, which concept should be used to most accurately reflect the issue?Monday,There is no definition that adequately reflects the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.Tuesday,In published works, there is no consensus on the criteria for classifying the structure of the Vietnamese working class.Wednesday,Previous studies have not provided predictions on the development of the working class structure and appropriate solutions to improve the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country.

Based on an overview of research related to the topic and the remaining issues, this dissertation topic..."The structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country."This thesis will focus on clarifying the following issues:

First,To develop a concept, propose a system of classification criteria, and analyze the factors affecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

Secondly,This study analyzes the current situation and clarifies the changes in the structure of the working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, thereby identifying the issues arising from the current structure of the Vietnamese working class.

Third,Proposing solutions to improve the structure of the working class, contributing to building a strong Vietnamese working class capable of meeting the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

Conclusion of Chapter 1

Through the works of researchers from the United States, France, Germany, and especially China, we can gain a preliminary understanding of the current state of the global working class and its structural changes. These include diversity in occupations, skill levels, and income levels, as well as increasingly profound stratification and differentiation within the working class. These are important references for our research and forecasting of the development of the Vietnamese working class, as well as changes in its structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

Domestic research, while not yet deeply focused on the structure of the Vietnamese working class, has provided important scientific arguments on theoretical and practical issues concerning the Vietnamese working class. It has also analyzed the current situation and proposed directions and solutions for building a working class that meets the requirements of the country's industrialization and modernization. This serves as a foundation for the doctoral candidate to understand and offer insightful interpretations of the research issues raised in the dissertation.

 

CHAPTER 2

THE STRUCTURE OF THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS IN

THE PERIOD OF ACCELERATED INDUSTRIALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE COUNTRY - SOME THEORETICAL ISSUES

2.1. General theory on the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

2.1.1. Some basic concepts

2.1.1.1. The concept of the working class, the Vietnamese working class

The concept of the working class

The working class is a stable social group, formed and developed alongside the development of increasingly modern industry and the increasing socialization of the forces of production; it is the basic labor force, directly or indirectly participating in the process of producing and reproducing social wealth and transforming social relations; it is the main force leading the historical process of transition from capitalism to socialism and communism through the role of the Communist Party.

The concept of the Vietnamese working class.

The Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization is understood as: a large, fundamental, and advanced labor force in society, developing and producing material goods through industrial methods; including manual and intellectual labor, working for wages in various types of industrial production, business, and service activities. With the Communist Party of Vietnam as its vanguard, the Vietnamese working class today has the historical mission of successfully carrying out the cause of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country, leading to the successful construction of socialism and communism in Vietnam.

2.1.1.2. Concepts of class structure, working class structure, and the working class structure of Vietnam

The concept of class structure

Class structure refers to the system of social classes and strata, and the interrelationships between them within a given social system.

The concept of the working class structure

The structure of the working class is a category used to refer to the constituent parts of the working class (based on various criteria) and the interrelationships and interactions between those parts..

The concept of the Vietnamese working class structure

From the concepts of the structure of the working class and the concept of the Vietnamese working class, it can be understood that: the structure of the Vietnamese working class is a category used to refer to the constituent parts of the Vietnamese working class (based on different criteria) and the reciprocal relationships between those parts..

2.1.2. Classification of the Vietnamese working class structure

2.1.2.1. Structure of the working class by economic sector

In terms of economic structure, the working class is divided into three parts: workers in state-owned enterprises, workers in non-state-owned enterprises, and workers in foreign-invested enterprises.

2.1.2.2. Structure of the working class by economic sector

From an occupational perspective, the Vietnamese working class is divided into three basic groups: industrial workers, agricultural workers, and service workers.

2.1.2.3. Structure of the working class by educational level

When discussing the skill level of the working class, scientists often use two indicators: educational level and professional skill level. The skill structure of the working class reflects its quality and is an important structural type that needs attention in order to build a truly strong Vietnamese working class.

2.1.2.4. Structure of the working class according to wages and income

Income disparities among workers can be divided into three basic groups. Low-income workers are those whose wages are less than or equal to the minimum wage set by the state. Middle-income workers are those whose wages are equal to the average income of Vietnamese workers. The remainder are classified as high-income workers.

2.2. Factors affecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

2.2.1. Objective Factors

2.2.1.1. The impact of globalization and international integration on the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

- Rapidly increasing the workforce in foreign-invested enterprises.

- To change the occupational structure of the Vietnamese working class.

However, globalization and international economic integration also have negative impacts on a segment of the workforce, causing some to lose their revolutionary ideals, their political faith in the Party and the State, and even become indifferent to the distorted narratives of hostile forces.

2.2.1.2. The Impact of the Knowledge Economy on the Structure of the Vietnamese Working Class

The knowledge economy modernizes the skill structure of the working class. It accelerates the emergence and development of a highly educated workforce. Alongside these positive impacts, the knowledge economy also leads to job losses for some workers, causing unemployment or adding to the labor reserve as machinery becomes widely used and gradually replaces manual labor. Furthermore, the knowledge economy contributes to a deepening income inequality within the Vietnamese working class.

2.2.1.3. The impact of accelerating industrialization and modernization in the context of a market economy on the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

- Industrialization and modernization change the class structure of the working class in various economic sectors; create diversity in the economic structure of the Vietnamese working class; industrialization and modernization transform the qualitative structure of the Vietnamese working class in both breadth and depth.

Besides its positive impacts, the negative aspects of industrialization and modernization also create social inadequacies regarding the structure of Vietnam's working class; leading to competition for human resources among different types of businesses, especially for high-quality workers.

It can be said that among the objective factors affecting the structure of the working class, industrialization and modernization are the most overarching and decisive factors in the transformation of the working class structure. Industrialization and modernization, coupled with the shift in the economic structure, have fundamentally changed the appearance of the Vietnamese working class structure.

2.2.2. Subjective Factors

2.2.2.1. The impact of the Party and State's guidelines and policies and the activities of trade union organizations on the structure of the Vietnamese working class..

Building a strong working class is the responsibility of the Party, the State, the entire political system, and the workers themselves; in which, the leadership role of the Party and the management of the State directly impact the development and transformation of the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

2.2.2.2. The Role of Businesses

Enterprises directly impact the quantitative structure of the working class; promote and create opportunities for the structural transformation of the working class's occupations; and contribute to improving the qualitative structure of the working class.

2.2.2.3. The worker's self-awareness

It can be said that this is a crucial subjective factor that brings about transformation in the working class in general and the structure of the working class in particular.

Chapter 2 Summary

The structure of the Vietnamese working class is a category that refers to the constituent parts of the Vietnamese working class, identified according to various criteria. These parts do not exist in isolation but are closely related, interacting with and transforming each other. Therefore, studying the structure of the Vietnamese working class must reveal the relationships and mutual transformations between the parts of the working class, thereby understanding the development of each part within the class to formulate appropriate policies for each part, creating unity in the development process of the Vietnamese working class.

The structure of the Vietnamese working class does not exist in a static state but is constantly evolving and changing because it is influenced by many objective and subjective factors. These factors have created the diverse and rich nature of the Vietnamese working class structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

 

CHAPTER 3

THE STRUCTURE OF THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS IN

THE PERIOD OF ACCELERATED INDUSTRIALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION - CURRENT SITUATION AND ISSUES ARISING

3.1. The current state of the Vietnamese working class structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization.

3.1.1. Structure of the working class by economic sector

3.1.1.2. The number of workers in state-owned enterprises has decreased sharply and there is a tendency for them to move to work in other types of enterprises.

As the policy of "restructuring and reforming to improve the performance of state-owned enterprises" was intensified in practice, the number of state-owned enterprises decreased significantly, leading to a sharp decline in the number of workers in this type of enterprise.

There has been a movement of highly skilled workers from state-owned enterprises to non-state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises.

3.1.1.2. The number of workers in non-state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises increased sharply.

In contrast to the sharp decline in the number of workers in state-owned enterprises, there has been a rapid increase in the number of workers in non-state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises.

3.1.2. Structure of the Vietnamese working class by economic sector

The number of workers in the agricultural sector has decreased sharply, while the number of workers in the industrial and service sectors has increased rapidly..The structure of the working class in each industry has also undergone positive changes.

In the coming period, the occupational structure of the Vietnamese working class will continue to undergo significant changes. This includes a rapid decrease in the number of workers in traditional industries, processing and manufacturing industries, and an increase in the workforce in service industries and new industries.

3.1.3. Structure of the Vietnamese working class by educational level

Regarding educational qualifications

Compared to the educational level of workers in other countries in the region and around the world, the educational level of Vietnamese workers is still quite low.

Professional qualifications

The professional competence of the Vietnamese working class has also made significant progress. More and more intellectuals have become aware of class interests and joined the ranks of the working class, making the intellectual worker segment play an increasingly important role in the development of the working class.

3.1.4. Structure of the Vietnamese working class according to wages and income

The wage and income levels of the Vietnamese working class remain low. There is a significant income disparity between different groups of workers in various economic sectors and components, and even within the same sector or component. The varying skill levels of different groups of workers also lead to differences in income.

3.2. Issues Arising from the Current Structure of the Vietnamese Working Class during the Period of Accelerated Industrialization and Modernization

3.2.1. Issues arising from the structure of the working class according to economic sectors

- The workforce in state-owned enterprises has not yet demonstrated its pioneering and leading role in the Vietnamese working class.

- The movement of a large number of highly skilled workers from state-owned enterprises to non-state and foreign-invested enterprises affects the leading role of the state-owned economic sector in the national economy.

- The significant increase in the number of workers in non-state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises raises many socio-political issues that need to be addressed.

3.2.2. Issues Arising from the Structure of the Working Class by Economic Sector

- A shortage of agricultural workers will slow down the pace of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

- The proportion of workers in Vietnam's service sector remains low, failing to adequately meet the requirements of industrialization, modernization, international economic integration, knowledge-based economic development, and the development of the digital economy.

3.2.3. Issues Arising from the Structure of the Working Class According to Education Level

- The proportion of untrained workers in schools and professional vocational training institutions remains high.

- Currently, the working class in our country is experiencing an imbalance in the structure of technical labor, with an oversupply of unskilled, untrained laborers; and a serious shortage of technical experts, skilled managers, and skilled workers, which remains widespread in all sectors and economic components.

3.3.4. Issues Arising from the Structure of the Working Class Based on Wages and Income

The structure of wages and income within the Vietnamese working class currently shows a significant disparity. First, it must be affirmed that, in some aspects and areas, this stratification will create momentum for the development of the working class as a whole. However, addressing the income disparity of the working class in the process of fulfilling its historical mission is a complex issue that requires attention and timely solutions. We can easily see the negative impacts of this income disparity within the Vietnamese working class today:

First,Income inequality slows down the overall pace of development of the working class.

Secondly,Income inequality reduces unity and solidarity – a crucial characteristic of the working class; without it, the working class cannot successfully fulfill its historical mission.

Third,Income stratification within the working class negatively impacts the fulfillment of its historical mission.

Conclusion of Chapter 3

During the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, the Vietnamese working class has undergone significant transformation across all structural forms. The absolute number of workers in state-owned enterprises has decreased, while the number of workers in non-state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises has increased sharply. A significant portion of highly skilled workers has shifted from the state-owned sector to the private and foreign-invested sectors, considerably impacting the leading role of these economic sectors. The economic structure of the working class has seen positive changes. However, the proportion of workers in agriculture and services remains low. The quality structure of the working class has also seen positive changes with a rapid increase in the number of highly skilled and intellectual workers. However, imbalances in the structure of skilled labor still persist in many sectors and economic components. The income structure of the Vietnamese working class has also undergone positive changes. However, the ongoing and widening income gap and wealth inequality will diminish solidarity and unity, and weaken the strength of the Vietnamese working class.

 

CHAPTER 4

PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE OF THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PERIOD OF ACCELERATED INDUSTRIALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE COUNTRY

4.1. Perspectives on perfecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

4.1.1. Improving the structure of the Vietnamese working class towards harmony and rationality.

First,This reflects the rational structure of the working class's economic components, corresponding to the roles and positions of other economic sectors in Vietnam.

Monday,Ensuring harmony in the income structure of the Vietnamese working class.

4.1.2. Perfecting the structure of the Vietnamese working class towards modernization to meet the requirements of industrialization, modernization of the country and international integration.

To perfect the structure of the Vietnamese working class towards modernization, we first need to...Modernizing the occupational structure of the working class.

Modernize the skill structure of the working class by increasing the number of highly educated and professionally qualified workers. Develop an ever-growing workforce of intellectual workers.

4.2. Solutions for improving the structure of the Vietnamese working class to meet the requirements of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country.

4.2.1. Solutions impacting the economic structure of the working class.

4.2.1.1. Developing the workforce in state-owned enterprises to truly become the core force of the Vietnamese working class.

- Pay attention to the selection, training, and development of the state-owned workforce, especially the highly skilled and intellectual workers.

- State-owned enterprises need to take the lead in applying scientific and technological advancements to production, and boost their ability to research and create new products and services.

- Strengthening political awareness and class consciousness education for workers in state-owned enterprises.

4.2.1.2. Preventing "brain drain" in state-owned enterprises.

- Reform wage policies in state-owned enterprises; consistently pay attention to the material and spiritual well-being of workers.

- State-owned enterprises need to create a stable and highly professional working environment.

- The government needs to issue regulations on the responsibility of businesses in training human resources and the responsibility of workers in specific state-owned enterprises.

- Each worker in state-owned enterprises needs to raise their sense of responsibility in fulfilling the task of socio-economic development in general and the task of developing the Vietnamese working class in particular.

4.2.1.3. Effectively address socio-political issues arising among workers in non-state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises.

- To raise political awareness; to educate and cultivate class goals and ideals among the working class in non-state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises.

- Pay attention to and care for the material and spiritual well-being of workers; eliminate the "adopted child" mentality in the minds of workers in non-state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises.

- Effectively resolve strikes and work stoppages in non-state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises.

4.2.2. Solutions impacting the economic structure of the working class.

4.2.2.1. Promote the restructuring of the economy towards modernization, increasing the proportion of workers in the service sector.

- Fundamentally restructure the industrial sector. Instead of focusing on developing extractive industries as before, Vietnam's industrial sector now needs to focus on developing deep processing and refined processing industries for agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; manufacturing industries; and supporting industries…

- Restructuring the service sector and increasing its growth rate aims to increase the proportion of service sector workers in the working class structure.

4.2.2.2. Increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural workers to successfully implement the industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

- "Industrialization and service-based transformation of agriculture" aims to attract high-quality labor to work in the agricultural sector.

- Encourage and provide policy incentives for businesses investing in the agricultural sector.

- Strengthen the training and development of a high-quality workforce of agricultural workers.

4.2.3. Solutions affecting the skill structure of the working class

4.2.3.1. Developing vocational training program content and methods in an innovative and creative direction.

- Innovating curriculum content and training methods is a top priority in improving the quality of vocational training today.

- Diversify training methods based on an open education model, the national qualifications framework, linked to the market and meeting the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

- The top priority in vocational training is to provide learners with the most fundamental professional knowledge so that they can easily and conveniently switch careers later on.

4.2.3.2. Promote and effectively implement career guidance and educational streaming in education.

- Career guidance in education refers to measures implemented both inside and outside educational institutions to help learners acquire knowledge about professions and the ability to choose a career based on their personal aspirations and aptitudes, combined with the labor market demands of society and the future development trends of that profession.

- Educational streaming is a measure of organizing educational activities based on career guidance, creating conditions for students graduating from lower secondary and upper secondary schools to continue their studies at higher levels, or to transfer to vocational education or participate in the labor market according to their abilities and the needs of society, contributing to regulating the occupational structure of the workforce in accordance with the requirements of national development.

4.2.3.3. Regularly educate workers to understand the importance of continuous learning and skill development.

- Educating workers to recognize the importance of learning is the responsibility of those involved in propaganda and education, with trade union officials at the core.

- There should be preferential policies and arrangements for work assignments, along with adequate compensation, for workers who actively participate in training and development programs, and who excel in advanced training or retraining programs.

- Each worker needs to clearly understand that in today's era, to have a good job with a high income, learning is a continuous, lifelong task.

4.2.3.4. Mobilizing the participation of businesses in improving the quality structure of the Vietnamese working class.

- Businesses should be encouraged to strengthen training partnerships with vocational schools, colleges, and universities in various forms and at different levels.

- Businesses need to have coordinated career counseling programs for students so that they can choose the right career path according to their interests while also meeting the requirements of the business and society.

ButEvery year, businesses need to organize classifications, assessments, and retraining of their workers to acquire new skills.

4.2.3.5. Developing a workforce of intellectual workers and preparing high-quality human resources for the Fourth Industrial Revolution..

Intellectual workers can be considered a leading force, directly impacting the direction of development of the Vietnamese working class today. Therefore, developing the intellectual workforce is an objective and urgent requirement, demanding the involvement of the Party, the State, educational and training institutions, and businesses.

4.2.4. Solutions affecting the wage and income structure of the Vietnamese working class.

4.2.4.1. Reducing the wage and income gap between different segments of the working class.

- Develop and improve wage policies, raising the income level of the working class.

- Ensuring the principles of fairness and equality in the distribution of wages and income.

4.2.4.2. Improving and expanding the social welfare and social security system for workers.

- Promote the development and improvement of the legal system regarding social security and social welfare.

- The welfare and social security system should first and foremost focus on vulnerable groups of workers, especially those engaged in unskilled labor in the labor market.

ButBusinesses need to establish, maintain, and develop employee welfare funds.

Summary of Chapter 4

To perfect the structure of the working class to effectively meet the requirements of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country, linked with the development of a knowledge-based economy and international integration, it is necessary to aim for harmony, rationality, and modernity in the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

Furthermore, it is necessary to implement synchronized specific solutions that impact each type of structure. Developing the workforce in state-owned enterprises to truly become the core force of the Vietnamese working class; preventing "brain drain" in state-owned enterprises and effectively addressing socio-political issues arising among workers in non-state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises. Increasing the number and quality of agricultural workers to successfully implement the industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Developing innovative and creative vocational training content, programs, and methods; promoting and effectively implementing career guidance and educational streaming; regularly educating workers to understand the importance of continuous learning and skill development; mobilizing the participation of enterprises in improving the quality structure of the working class and developing a workforce of intellectual workers, preparing high-quality human resources for the fourth industrial revolution. Narrowing the wage and income gap between different segments of the working class and improving and expanding the social welfare and social security system for workers.

                            

CONCLUDE

The structure of the Vietnamese working class is a category that reflects both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the working class. During the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, coupled with the development of a knowledge-based economy and international integration, the structure of the working class has undergone many changes, becoming rich and diverse, directly impacting the development of the Vietnamese working class in particular and the socio-economic development of the country in general. Based on the study of the structure of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, the following conclusions can be drawn:

Firstly, the structure of the Vietnamese working class plays a crucial role in the overall development of the Vietnamese working class and is one of the key factors determining the success or failure of the country's industrialization and modernization.

Secondly, the structure of the Vietnamese working class is influenced by numerous factors: objective, subjective, internal, and external. Therefore, the transformation of the Vietnamese working class structure follows objective laws, but also depends heavily on subjective factors. It can be affirmed that industrialization and modernization, with its fundamental content being the shift in economic structure towards modernization, is the most important and directly impactful factor.

Thirdly, during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, the structure of the Vietnamese working class has undergone many complex changes. Some changes are positive, promoting the development of the working class in particular and the socio-economic development of the country in general; but alongside these, there are also negative changes that affect the process of fulfilling the historical mission of the Vietnamese working class.

Fourth, to promote the positive aspects and overcome the limitations of the transformation process of the Vietnamese working class structure during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization, a system of scientific and practical solutions is needed, focusing on the following key actors: the role of the Party, the State, political and social organizations within the working class, enterprises, and the self-awareness and striving of the Vietnamese working class itself; in which, building an advanced and modern economic structure is the most important condition for perfecting the working class structure to meet the new requirements of the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.