Economic development, culture integration, modernization and industrialization have affected size and lifestyle of Vietnam family.

The form of "four generation family" with over 10 people living together is replaced with two generation family. 4-5 generation families are rarely found even the life expectation is higher than before.

Size of Vietnam family in certain regions are different, it is affected by education factors, social and economy features, customs as well as culture. In Red River delta, there are 4.1 people living in a family on average, the lowest ratio nationwide while it is 5 people in Northwest.

According to socialists' analysis, small family size is making good contribution to sex equality, minimizing troubles and quarrels which often happen in multi-generation families. In the past, women had many babies. With limitation to 2 babies, women now have more time to participate social activities, making considerable contribution to the development of the nation. They are more fairly treated and have opportunities to improve their education as well as profession. However, small family size has some side effects: Care for old people is limited, children and old people are more lonely. A survey in Hanoi shows that 30% family living in the centre revealed they did not have or had little time to care and educate their children.

Small family size, children live separately from their parents when getting married, makes old people more lonely and difficult in life, especially when social insurance for old people is very limited in rural areas in Vietnam.

In addition, open development of the economy makes Vietnam families at risk of social evils such as: addiction, prostitution etc...These side affects challenge life organization for old people, family services and baby care. Predicting these challenges, authorities have made some tough measures to enhance sense of family and its role in the modern time.

By Nguyen Phuc Thinh
Co-founder of GoodmorningVietnam!
http://www.goodmorningvietnam.com.vn