The Role of Sociology in 40 Years of Renovation in Vietnam

The event attracted the participation of more than 100 scientists, experts, lecturers, students from associations, research institutes, universities nationwide and interested people.
The conference is an opportunity for scientists to take stock and evaluate the development of Sociology in Vietnam in terms of academics and contributions to society, thereby presenting a new vision for the future. These are contributions in terms of academics, policies, knowledge sharing, human resource training and social impact; on the research work on the history of sociology in Vietnam - a field that is still poor, has few colleagues interested, and receives little funding.
This is an important event at the 50th anniversary of national reunification (1975-2025) and 40 years of the Doi Moi policy (1986-2026) - an inspiring moment for the country's sociologists to look back on the past.
Although only held for a short period of time, the objectives of the Conference have aroused great excitement among many scientists. The Conference received 35 full-text papers revolving around 08 major topics: general issues of sociology in the new development stage; impacts on society and policy; social structure & culture; population research; urban & rural sociology; family and gender; sociological training; history of contemporary sociology in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Quyet Chien - General Secretary of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong - Vice President of VNU, former Vice President of University of Social Sciences and Humanities spoke at the conference.

At the workshop, scientists discussed current issues of concern, such as: strengthening the sociological network in the generational transition, policy implications for the development of the Vietnam Sociological Association (authors Dang Kim Khanh Ly, Nguyen Nu Nguyet Anh & Vu Thuy Dung); Vietnamese Sociology: Where is it and where is it going in the new era? (authors Dang Thi Anh Tuyet, Tran Van Huan & Nguyen Huu Hoang); Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU is one of the leading Sociology training addresses making its mark on the world science map (Hoang Ba Thinh, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa & Dang Kim Khanh Ly).
Academic issues & social and policy impacts were also discussed at the conference with the following presentations: Research and training in urban sociology during the Doi Moi period (author Trinh Duy Luan); Experimental sociological research on rural Vietnam: Looking back at 40 years at the Institute of Sociology and new orientations (author Nguyen Duc Chien), The role of legal sociology in law-making activities in Vietnam (author Phan Thi Luyen). The discussion session on issues of sociological training & sociological history attracted the attention of scholars with the presentations: Sociological internship: Enhancing prestige and disseminating knowledge of the field (author group Ha Trong Nghia, Lam Thi Anh Quyen, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang & Bui Thi Minh Ha); The role of sociology in innovation and socio-economic development in Vietnam (author Chung A).
The activities of sociologists at this time are of great significance in the context of the country entering a new historical period, the world environment is undergoing very complex changes.

Prof. Dr. Bui The Cuong - Vietnam Sociological Association delivered the opening speech at the conference with the theme "Contemporary Vietnamese Sociology accompanies the country" Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly - Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities co-chaired discussion session 1

In 1986, the comprehensive national renovation was initiated at the 6th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, marking an important historical turning point in the country's socio-economic development process. After nearly 40 years of renovation, Vietnam has had profound and comprehensive changes in many fields - from economy, culture, education to social governance and people's lives. In that context, Sociology, as a science that studies social life, social processes and institutions, has made significant contributions to identifying, explaining and criticizing new social phenomena, thereby contributing to policy making, human development and building a sustainable society.    

Sociology research and training is one of the strengths of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU. The Faculty of Sociology was established in 1976 (formerly the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy, Hanoi National University). This was an important first step, opening up opportunities for research and teaching on sociological issues in Vietnam.
In 1991, the Faculty of Sociology was officially established under Decision No. 2494/TCCB of the Minister of Education and Training. Immediately after that time, the Faculty was assigned the task of training bachelors, masters and doctors in Sociology, contributing to the training and development of high-quality human resources for the Sociology sector in Vietnam.
The Faculty of Sociology and Social Work has become a leading trusted address in training high-quality human resources for both Sociology and Social Work in Vietnam. Therefore, from 2025, the Faculty of Sociology will officially change its name to the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work. The addition of the major of Social Work to the Faculty's name affirms the strategic direction of the Faculty, especially in the context of the strong development of the Social Work industry in Vietnam, while affirming the strength of the Faculty in training both Sociology and Social Work.
In March 2025, for the first time, the Sociology field of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities ranked 301-375 in the world in the rankings of the education organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), affirming Vietnam's leading position in research and training in Sociology.
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