[Book] Social Development Management in Vietnam: Current Situation, Challenges, and Policy Directions

In any political system, social development management plays a decisive role in the development of society. Social development management is a large and complex issue, involving many fields and encompassing all aspects of social life. It is the directed and organized influence of the managing entity on the objects of society with the goal of sustainable social development; harmonious development of the social structure; guiding and controlling social changes; ensuring social security; implementing social policies appropriate to each target group, sector, and locality to harmonize social relations and interests; and resolving emerging social issues, ensuring social consensus, social security, and human security.

Prior to the reforms, Vietnam adopted a social development management policy linked to a centrally planned, subsidized economic model. However, practical experience confirmed the inadequacies of this model, necessitating a change in the concept of social development and management, linked to a market economy. Over 30 years of reform have confirmed the correctness of the Party's reform decisions, successfully achieving many social goals. Nevertheless, the practical experience of social development management during this period has also presented new situations that, if not addressed promptly, could lead to unforeseen consequences.

To provide a theoretical basis and address practical issues arising in the study of social development management in Vietnam, the National Political Publishing House publishes this book.Social Development Management in Vietnam: Current Situation, Challenges, and Policy DirectionsEdited by Pham Quang Minh – Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The book provides a general analysis of the theoretical basis, including a system of concepts and theories, of social development management. Simultaneously, it analyzes the current state of social development management through practical surveys in seven provinces and cities across the country, representing different regions and areas with varying conditions and levels of development in various fields such as labor and employment, social insurance, health insurance, social welfare, wealth inequality, social stratification, and inequality. Based on these practical issues, the book analyzes policy directions and proposes a model for transitioning from a social development management mechanism to a social governance mechanism. This is a process where the government, social organizations, businesses, communities, and individuals are equal partners in regulating and managing social issues. This model proposes a social development governance model for Vietnam based on the relationship between three pillars: the State, the market, and social organizations and individuals, aiming to better address social issues, ensure social security, and promote rapid and sustainable national development.

We are pleased to introduce this book to our readers.