Migration and Occupational Changes during Periods of Economic Transition: Women and Men in Vietnam

This paper examines the impact of internal migration on gender differences in occupational mobility after the introduction of economic reform ( Doi Moi) in Vietnam. Data derived from a survey conducted in 1997 in six provinces of Vietnam provide the basis for comparing the experience of permanent migrants, temporary migrants, and non-migrants. The results show that migration reduces gender differences in occupational distribution by increasing women's participation in traditionally male occupations. But men's relative advantage in occupational mobility over women's remains. The multivariate analysis showed that permanent male migrants were more likely to be upwardly mobile than females if their move occurred in the later Doi Moi. Such findings suggest that the freedom of movement and the ability to engage in private enterprise, while allowing women more autonomy, have not yet successfully promoted female upward occupational mobility.