The role of sociology in 40 years of reform in Vietnam.

The event attracted the participation of more than 100 scientists, experts, lecturers, and students from associations, research institutes, universities nationwide, and other interested individuals.
The conference provides an opportunity for scientists to review and assess the academic development of Sociology in Vietnam and its contributions to society, thereby outlining a new vision for the future. This includes contributions to academia, policy, knowledge sharing, human resource training, and social impact; and to examine the research on the history of sociology in Vietnam – a field that remains underdeveloped, receives little attention from colleagues, and receives limited funding.
This is a significant event marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification (1975-2025) and the 40th anniversary of the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy (1986-2026) - an inspiring time for sociologists in Vietnam to reflect on the journey so far.
Despite its short duration, the conference generated great enthusiasm among many scientists. It received 35 full papers revolving around eight major themes: general issues of sociology in the new development phase; impact on society and policy; social and cultural structure; population studies; urban and rural sociology; family and gender; sociological training; and the history of contemporary Vietnamese sociology.

Mr. Nguyen Quyet Chien - Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong - Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, former Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, delivered a speech at the conference.

At the conference, scientists discussed current issues of interest, such as: strengthening sociological networks 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 are we and where are we going in the new era? (authors Dang Thi Anh Tuyet, Tran Van Huan & Nguyen Huu Hoang); The Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi is one of the leading sociology training institutions making its mark on the world scientific map (Hoang Ba Thinh, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa & Dang Kim Khanh Ly).
Academic issues and social and policy impacts were also discussed at the conference with presentations including: Research and training in urban sociology during the Renovation period (by Trinh Duy Luan); Experimental sociological research on rural Vietnam: A look back at 40 years at the Institute of Sociology and new orientations (by Nguyen Duc Chien); The role of legal sociology in lawmaking in Vietnam (by Phan Thi Luyen). The discussion session on sociology training and the history of sociology attracted the attention of scholars with presentations including: Sociology practice: Enhancing prestige and disseminating knowledge in the field (by Ha Trong Nghia, Lam Thi Anh Quyen, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang & Bui Thi Minh Ha); The role of sociology in socio-economic innovation and development in Vietnam (by Chung A).
The activities of sociologists at this time are of great significance in the context of the country entering a new historical phase and the world environment undergoing very complex changes.

Professor Bui The Cuong, from the Vietnam Sociological Association, delivered the opening remarks at the conference on the theme "Contemporary Vietnamese Sociology Accompanying the Nation". 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 Doi Moi (Renovation) process was initiated at the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, marking a significant historical turning point in the country's socio-economic development. Over nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has undergone profound and comprehensive changes in many areas – from economics, culture, and education to social governance and people's lives. In this context, Sociology, as a science studying social life, social processes, and institutions, has made significant contributions to identifying, explaining, and critically analyzing new social phenomena, thereby contributing to policy planning, human development, and the building of a sustainable society.    

Research and training in Sociology is one of the strengths of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The Faculty of Sociology was established in 1976 (formerly the Department of Sociology, under the Faculty of Philosophy, Hanoi University). This was an important starting point, opening up opportunities for research and teaching on sociological issues in Vietnam.
In 1991, the Faculty of Sociology was officially established by Decision No. 2494/TCCB of the Minister of Education and Training. Immediately after that, the Faculty was tasked with training bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students in Sociology, contributing to the training and development of high-quality human resources for the field of Sociology in Vietnam.
The Faculty of Sociology and Social Work has become a leading and trusted institution for training high-quality human resources in 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 Social Work as a specialization to the Faculty's name affirms the Faculty's strategic direction, especially in the context of the strong development of the Social Work field in Vietnam, and also confirms the Faculty's strengths in training in both Sociology and Social Work.
In March 2025, for the first time, the Sociology department of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities ranked 301-375 globally in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking, affirming its leading position in Vietnam in research and training in Sociology.
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