THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA NOWADAYS

Transcription

1 HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF POLITICS NGUYEN MINH SANG THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA NOWADAYS SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS FIELD OF STUDY: SOCIAL SCIENCE DOCTRINE Code: HA NOI

2 The thesis is completed at Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Duong Xuan Ngoc Reviewer 1: Reviewer 2: Reviewer 3: The thesis shall be defeneded in front of the Thesis Committee at Academy level at Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics At... hour... date... month... year 2017 The thesis can be found at: National Library and Library of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

3 1 INTRODUCTION 1. The necessity of the thesis Social structure along with the mode of production, economic structure of society constitutes the basis of social reality, the basic factor, determining the development of society. Historical materialism states: "In every historical age, the primary mode of economic production and trade, together with the social structure determined by that mode, forms the basis of politics history of the time and the history of the intellectual development of the era, the basis that only from which we can explain that history. " The social structure is always changing depending on the change of economic production and life. The transformation of social structure has a strong impact on the transformation and development of economic production and the society in general, including both positive and negative impacts. It can be said, research on social structure and the transformation of social structure is the urgent theoretical issue being set. In Vietnam, in the renewal period, to develop the socialist-oriented market economy, to accelerate industrialization and modernization and international integration, social structure has significant and profound transformations, creating social effects and consequences. The Mekong Delta is one of the key economic regions of the country, especially the agricultural economy, in which farmers are the large and main workforce, the main subject of the industrialization and modernization process of rural agriculture and new rural construction in the area. In the past years, along with the strong economic changes, social structure in general, the social structure of farmers in particular in the Mekong Delta also has varied and diversified changes, contributing to the positive development in the socio-economic aspects of the Mekong Delta and its social life; However, there are also negative social consequences that are not desired, and there should be a positive orientation for the change accordingly. Because of this urgency, I chose the issue: "The transformation of the social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta nowadays", as the topic of the PhD thesis in social science.

4 2 2. Research purposes and research tasks 2.1. Research purposes The dissertation analysis clarifies the theoretical issues about the change of social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta; Analyze and clarify the situation of social structure changes of the Mekong Delta farmers in the current period, presenting the trends of changes in the social structure of the Mekong Delta farmers until 2020 with a vision to 2030, and propose solutions to positively direct that transformation Research tasks (1) present an overview of typical scientific works related to the topic; (2) Analyze and clarify the theoretical issues on the social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers; (3) Analyze and clarify the situation of social structure changes of Mekong Delta farmers from 1996 to present; (4) Forecast the changing trend of social structure of Mekong Delta farmers until 2020 and vision to 2030; (5) Identify some basic ideas and propose solutions to positively orient the process of changing social monitoring of the Mekong Delta farmers in the present period. 3. Research subjects and scope of study 3.1. Research subjects Study on the social structure change of farmers in the Mekong Delta in the present period (farmers are studied as class) Research scope - Research space: the surveyed population is in the Mekong Delta provinces, but mainly in five provinces (Long An, Vinh Long, An Giang, Ca Mau, Soc Trang and Can Tho). Because these are provinces and cities with many characteristics of the Mekong Delta. - Research period: The survey on the status of social structure changes of the Mekong Delta farmers and the trend of social structure change of farmers in the Mekong Delta is concentrated in the period (1996 to date), since this is the period with many undertakings, policies of the Party and State in socioeconomic development which have a strong impact on the social structure of the Mekong Delta farmers. - Content of the study: The social structure of the farmer is very broad, including many types of social structure, within the scope of this topic, the author only mentioned three basic types of social structure of farmers in the

5 3 Mekong Delta, which are: Social - class structure; Social - occupation structure; Social - population structure. 4. Theoretical - practical basis and research methodology 4.1. Theoretical basis The dissertation is based on the theoretical background on social structure, farmers social structure of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh ideology, Party and State documents, and selective inheritance of faculties, studies and related articles by other authors that have been published Practical basis - Based on the experience and lessons learned in solving the social structure transformation of the farmer class in other countries and regions in Vietnam. - Based on the situation of all Mekong Delta farmers and the changing situation of social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta in recent time Research Methodology * Methodology The thesis is based on the methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism in which the specific historical objective principle is applied in a concrete way. This means that the theme "The transformation of the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers nowadays" should be studied in the context of the transition to a market economy mechanism, implementing industrialization, modernization of the country and international economic integration. Applying the methodology of philosophy, scientific socialism, objects of the subject are approached objectively, mobilized and transformed according to the development of society. * General method The thesis uses the synthesis of general methods such as: analysis - synthesis, system - structure, logic - history... * Specific method - Document analysis method - Method of field survey 5. New contributions of the thesis 5.1. New theoretical contribution The thesis contributes to clarify the theoretical issues on the social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers: general theories on the change

6 4 of social structure, social structure of farmers, the concept of social structure, the change of social structure of the farmers in the Mekong Delta and the basic content of the change of social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta; Generalizing the factors influencing the social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers; Assessing the situation and forecasting of the trend of social structure change of farmers in the Mekong Delta; Proposing ideas and solutions to the positive trend of social structure change monitoring of Mekong Delta farmers from now until 2020 with a vision to New practical contributions (1) Analyze the factors influencing the social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers in the current period; (2) Analyze and clarify the situation of social structure change of farmers in Mekong Delta from 1996 to present; (3) Forecasting the changing trends of social structure of Mekong Delta farmers to 2020 and vision to 2030; (4) Proposed some specific and feasible solutions to positively influence the social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers to 2020 with a vision to The practical meaning of the thesis (1) The research results of the thesis contribute to deepen the scientific basis of the study and solve in practice the problems of the social structure change of farmer classes and social policy towards farmers in our countryside today. (2) The dissertation can also contribute to supplement and improve the Party's and State's guidelines and policies towards farmers in the Mekong Delta, consolidate and strengthen the agro-industrial-intellectual union in the current period. At the same time, the dissertation can also serve the study, research and teaching of a number of philosophical topics, social science and social sciences in colleges, universities and main schools in provinces, district training centers in the Mekong Delta. 7. Structure of the thesis In addition to the introduction, conclusion, list of works published by the author related to the thesis and list of reference, the thesis consists of 4 chapters, 11 sections.

7 5 Chapter 1 OVERVIEW OF RESEARCHES ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS Transforming social structure, transforming the social structure of the farmer class is common in Vietnam since moving to a market economy. This social process has been taking place in an increasing severe and complex way (influences both positively and negatively) on many aspects of social life. For that reason, from the early 1990s to now, there are many organizations and individuals interested in researching and interpretating of this issue in terms of theory and practice. It is possible to re-organize those studies in the following categories: 1.1. THEORETICAL RESEARCH WORKS ON SOCIAL STRUCTURE, CHANGES IN SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE CHANGE OF THE FARMER CLASS Theoretical studies on social structure and transformation of social structure (1) Hoang Chi Bao (1992), Classical social structure in our country - theory and practice, Social Science Publishing House, Hanoi; (2) Nguyen Quang Ngoc - Editor (1998), Social structure in the development of Vietnamese history, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; (3) Nguyen Dinh Tan (2005), Social structure and social stratification. Contributions in theory and practical application. "Journal of Sociology, Vol. 3; (4) Pham Ngoc Quang - Dinh Quang Ty (2006), "Contributing to recognize the social structure of our country through 20 years of renovation," Journal of Philosophy, No. 3 (178); (5) Research by Phung Thi Hue - Editor - (2008): Transforming Class Structure in China during the Opening Reform; (6) Bui The Cuong - Editor (2010), Contribution to the study of social change in Vietnam today, Social Science Publishing House, Hanoi; (7) Do Nguyen Phuong - Tran Xuan Kien (2010), Vietnam social structure and pressing social issues in the renovation process, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; (8) Ta Ngoc Tan - Director (2010), Trends in social structure change in Vietnam, State-level scientific research project, Political-theoretical research program , No. KX.04 / 06-10, Hanoi; (9) Le Huu Nghia - Chairperson (2010), Social structure and social stratification in our country in new conditions, State-level scientific project

8 6 KX / 06-10), Hanoi ; (10) Nguyen Van Nam (2011), "Differentiation of the rich and poor in our country today," Journal of Living Theory, No. (2); (11) The American Socialist Variation Study, by Ian Robertson on the basis of income and occupation, divides American society into six classes; (12) In recent years, a number of Chinese scientists have studied the transformation of social structure with a new approach that is consistent with the transformation of Chinese society during the opening of market economy. Typically, the study of Luc Hoc Nghe (Editor): A Report on the Study of Contemporary Chinese Social Level; (13) In Japan, after the Second World War, based on employment status, business size and occupation, Professor Tominaga Kenichi divided the Japanese society into seven classes Theoretical studies on the social structure of the farmer class (1) Do Thi Thach - Editor (2003), Socio-professional restructuring of Red River Delta farmers in current period, Ministry-level science research project, Hanoi; (2) Le Xuan Ba (2006), "Determinants of structural change in the labor force in rural Vietnam," Research Report, CIEM; (3) Duong Thi Minh - Chairman (2008), Current Transformation of the Vietnamese Farmer Class - Current Situation and Solutions, Ministry Level Science Project, Hanoi RESEARCHES ON THE ACTUAL SITUATION AND SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZING THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE FARMER CLASS (1) Le Ngoc Triet (2002) Trends of changes in the social structure of the farmer class in Vietnam, PhD thesis, Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics, Hanoi; (2) Do Thi Thach - Editor (2003), Socio-professional restructuring of Red River Delta farmers in the present period, Ministry-level science project, Hanoi; (3) Tran Thi Minh Ngoc (2005), Migration with the Formation and Development of Southern Focal Economic Zone, Ministry-level Subject, Ho Chi Minh City; Le Xuan Ba (2006), "Determinants of structural change in the labor force in rural Vietnam," Research Report, CIEM; (5) Phan Thanh Khoi - Luong Xuan Hien - Co-editor (2006), Some socio-economic issues in the process of industrialization and modernization of the Red River delta, Political Theory Publishing House, Ha Noi (6) Pham Ngoc Quang - Dinh Quang Ty (2006), "Contributing to identify the social structure of our country through 20 years of renovation", Journal of Philosophy, No. 3 (178) (7) Duong Thi Minh - Chairperson (2008), Current Transformation of the Vietnamese Peasantry - Current Situation and Solutions, Ministry-level Science Project, Hanoi; (8)

9 7 Nguyen Ba Ngoc (2008), "Challenges in the restructuring of agricultural and rural labor in our country", Institute of Labor Science and Social Affairs, Bulletin (28), Hanoi; (9) Nam Son (2009), "Transforming the social structure and its impact on farmers and rural areas today," Journal of the Communists No. 20 (188); Vo Thanh Dung (2010), "Rural labor restructuring and the impact of this shift on farmers in Can Tho City", Journal of Science, No. 16, Hanoi; (11) Le Huu Nghia - Chairperson (2010), Social structure and social stratification in our country in new conditions, State-level scientific project KX / 06-10), Hanoi ; (12) Do Nguyen Phuong - Tran Xuan Kien (2010), Vietnam's social structure and pressing social issues in the renovation process, National Politics Publishing House, Hanoi; (13) Ta Ngoc Tan - Chairman (2010), The trend of social structure change in Vietnam, State-level scientific project, theoretical and political research program , code KX.04 / 06-10, Hanoi: (14) Le Thanh Sang, Nguyen Thi Minh Chau (2013), "Social stratification in the South East with a vision comparable to Ho Chi Minh City and the Southwest", Journal of Social Sciences, No. 2 (174), Hanoi; (15) Bui The Cuong (2015), "Farmers in social stratification structure", Journal of Sociology, No 2, Hanoi RESEARCHES ON AGRICULTURE, FARMERS AND RURAL AREA HAVING IMPACTS ON THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA REGION Le Huu Xanh (1998), Moral Characteristics of Farmers in the Southern Delta and Their Impact on the Industrialization and Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Areas in Southern Vietnam, Ministry Level Science Project, Hanoi; (2) Nguyen Dinh Huong - Editor (2001), Production and life of landless or lack-of-land farmers in the Mekong Delta - Current status and solutions, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; (3) Lam Quang Huyen (2002), Rural Agriculture in the South towards the 21st Century, Science- Society Publisher, Hanoi; (4) Bui Thi Ngoc Lan (2006), Employment of Red River Delta farmers in the process of industrialization and modernization, Ministry-level Science project, Hanoi; (5) Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand - An evaluation on the sustainability in Ethanol Production, Piyawan SuksrijKeio University, Japan, (2008); Li Luping (2009), Household Income Transformation in Rural China, International Conference on Agricultural Economics, Beijing, China (7) Nguyen Van Sanh (2009) Develop "Tam nong"

10 8 and apply to the context of the Mekong Delta, Agricultural Publishing House. Ho Chi Minh City; (8) Some Theoretical and Practical Issues for Sustainable Agriculture Development and Lessons for Agricultural Development in Cambodia, Serey Mardy, Nguyen Phuc Tho, Chu Thi Kim Loan, Svay Kieng Unlversity and Hanoi University of Agriculture, Journal of Science and Development, 2013, vol. 11, no. 3; (9) The Saemaul Undong: South Korea's Rural Development Miracle in Historical Perspective, Mike Douglass, Asia Research Institute and Department of Sociology National University of Singapore, February 2013; (10) Party Committee of Can Tho City - Steering Committee of the Southwest - Editorial Board of the Communist Review (2014), "Industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the Mekong Delta - 30 years of review" Study, Science workshop summary, May 19, Can Tho; (11) Hau Giang Provincial Party Committee (2014), Summary Report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development at the 3 rd Briefing Meeting on the implementation of the National Targeted Program for Rural Development in the Mekong River Delta Region, held on February 24-25, 2014 in Hau Giang Province VALUES NEED REFERRING, PERSPECTIVES NOT YET APPROACHED OF THE RELATED RESEARCHES AND SOME ISSUES NEEDS FURTHER STUDYING Through the review of the research above can draw the general assessment as follows: The values to be consulted and perspectives that have not been approached by the related researches Firstly, for the group of theoretical studies on social structure, social structure change, social structure change of the farmer class It can be asserted that in recent years, theoretical issues of social structure change, social structure changes of the farmer class has been studied by many scientists domestically and abroad from different directions, approaches, angles and levels (from books to state-level, ministry-level scientific subjects, journal articles, dissertations...) and achieved very important results such as: The authors have clarified the theoretical issues on social structure, social structure change, the social structure changes of the farmer class in many aspects: concept, content, characteristics, trends of change, impacting factors, effects of that change on all aspects of social life... The above research results

11 9 have made important contributions to the dissemination and development of theory, from the conceptual system to the way of approaches, methods of social structure screening, social structure change. The above studies on the one hand provide a valuable theoretical foundation for further exploratory analysis of the issue of social structure change, and social structure change of the peasantry, on the other hand, also show the need for further research that is more comprehensive on the social structure changes of the peasant class, especially the changes of social structure of the farmers in areas not studied comprehensively, such as the Mekong Delta region. Although there are certain successes, the authors of this research group have focused on theoretical issues of the social structure change of the peasant class on the national average as well as in other regions, but there is no theoretical study on the changes of social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta. Secondly, studies on the practice of changes in social structure of the peasant class and the positive orientating solutions for that transformation This issue has also attracted the attention of many research scientists and has achieved certain results: The above research focuses on analyzing the reality of change and development in agriculture, rural areas and our country's farmers in the process of innovation under the influence of the socialist-oriented market economy. The situation of social structure changes of the peasantry in the context of industrialization and modernization and urbanization, development of market economy and international integration of our country; Analyze factors influencing the social structure changes of the peasant class; The positive and negative impact of these changes on the cause of national renewal; Forecasting changes in social structure of the peasantry, issues that need directing and promoting, and limitations to overcome; to propose some solutions to orient the change of social structure of the farmer class in order to motivate the country to develop quickly and sustainably. The above research results have created a foundation to many practical useful things for the author to perform in depth analysis of the situation of social structure changes of the Mekong Delta farmers. From the system of these studies, we find that there is a common, prominent and cross-sectional view that scientists have sketched the

12 10 transformation of social structure of the peasantry in the country, of cities/provinces, regions, especially South Vietnam in the renovation period, which can be felt through different days, with different perspectives on population, people, occupation and income. Compared with the current practice, these works have exposed certain limitations: For example, Duong Thi Minh writes about the change of social structure of the farmer class, but on the national level, the author Do Thi Thach refers to the change of social - occupation structure of farmers but farmers in the Red River Delta - there are differences in the regions particularity, Le Ngoc Triet (Ph.D. thesis on Philosophy) deals with the trend of changing the social structure of the Southern peasant class in terms of population, income, occupation and people... but the approach of the author is from the philosophical point of view and the topic has been defended for a long time (2002), so it is necessary to revise the study of changes of social structure of farmers Mekong Delta in the new situation nowadays. Thirdly, studies on agriculture, rural areas and farmers have impacts on the social structure changes of Mekong Delta farmers. The authors of this work group mentioned the following issues: - Systematic analysis of the world's agricultural situation in the period of industrialization, changes in agricultural and rural economic structure, status of occupational change of farmers mainly in countries (China, Thailand, Cambodia, and South Korea), with comments, analysis and comparisons to provide readers with some foreign references and suggestions for Vietnamese agriculture. - Focus on analyzing the situation of agriculture, rural areas and our country's farmers under the influence of the process of transforming the economy into a market economy; Implementation of industrialization, modernization of agriculture and rural areas; International economic integration... The authors focus on clarifying the situation of agriculture, rural areas and the situation of Vietnamese farmers in the transition including both positive and negative aspects. This is a very practical basis for the author to compare and contrast in the implementation of his topic. - Analyze the situation of agriculture, rural areas and farmers in Mekong Delta provinces in the transition of the economy and the implementation of industrialization and modernization of rural agriculture. The authors have

13 11 focused on clarifying urgent issues in the situation of farmers in the Mekong Delta today: the phenomenon of accumulation of land into the hands of a small number of people makes a significant part of the farmers do not have private production resources and employment; The gap between the rich and the poor is expanding; The spontaneous migration of rural to urban... from which the authors also proposed the basic solutions to overcome these pressing problems. The findings and recommendations in this study on rural, farmer and agricultural transformations provide us with a valuable source of practical information on the study of social structure change of the Mekong Delta farmers Issues need further studying In general, all the researches of the above-mentioned scientists, or more or less, directly or indirectly mentioned and solved problems related to the contents of the thesis topic " Transformation of the social structure of farmers in the Mekong Delta in the current period. " In particular, there are some contents that are relatively clear and are the theoretical and practical basis for the author s thesis to inherit such as: social structure; Transformation of social structure; Transform the social structure of the peasantry; Lessons learned from the practice in localities and regions in solving problems of social changes of social work. However, with both the similarity and differences in the diversity and richness of each province and city in the Mekong Delta, the orientation of the social structure change of farmers is posing many problems and requires further clarification. The thesis is based on the logic and methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism; Ho Chi Minh's ideology, guidelines and directions of the Party on the issues of social structure, social structure changes, farmers... at the same time, selectively inherit the results of the authors studied this issue earlier to continue research and solve problems such as: Firstly, generalize the theory system concerning social structure, changing the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers. The author continues to clarify the theoretical issues of: social structure of famer class; Factors incorporating the social structure content of the peasantry; The views of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's ideology, the views of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the social structure change of the peasantry; The factors regulating the social structure changes of the peasantry.

14 12 Secondly, analyze the situation and clarify the trend of changing social structure of Mekong Delta farmers in the current period. The author analyzes the situation of social structure change of Mekong Delta farmers with positive and negative factors interwoven. Thirdly, provide forecasts of social structure change of Mekong Delta farmers and propose ideas and proposals for solutions to positively orient the process of changing the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers from now to 2020 with vision until Chapter 2 THEORETICAL BASIS OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA REGION 2.1. SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND TYPES OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE Concept of social structure Social structure is one of the basic concepts for social awareness and social management, therefore is very interested by organizations and individuals to study. There are different views on social structure, here are some typical points of view: (1) Soviet Encyclopedia; (2) View of author Ta Ngoc Tan in his book on the Trend of social structure change in Vietnam; (3) Nguyen Dinh Tan's view on Social structure and social stratification; (4) The views of author Le Huu Nghia et al. in the state-level scientific project (KX / 06-10), Social structure and social stratification in our country in the new context nowadays; (5) Social science doctrine textbook of the Ministry of Education and Training published by Hong Duc Publishing House, Hanoi in 2008; (6) Historical materialism in Marxist philosophy; (6) The view of social science. Based on the analyzes of social structure according to the different viewpoints mentioned above, we believe that social structure includes all communities not only naturally formed in history (ethnic groups, People, classes, social strata...), but also communities that are formed consciously (parties, unions and other social organizations). The whole interplay of these communities in the spheres of social life constitutes the whole of social relations.

15 Some types of social structure For an "overview" picture of social structure, it is necessary to study the diversity of social structure. Accordingly, social structure includes the following structures and each structure can be considered as a type of social structure in general. * Social - class structure * Social - occupation structure * Social - population structure In social structure, social - class structure is considered as basic, decisive, dominant in other forms of social structure. In addition to the above types of social structure, some other signs also arise as a form of social structure. It is ethnic, religious, territorial, income and social structure, gender statistical, social media - people... these types of structures are not isolated, separate but exist in relation to other types of structure. In short, studying social structure with different slices allows us to properly perceive the face of society. All parts of social structure are in a relationship with each other. In the process of development, the characteristics of the social corporations within these structures are capable of shifting. Synthesize all social communities, all types of social divisions, with organic, dialectical relationships, forming a social structure of the specific society. The right understanding of this is the scientific basis for making laws and social policies FARMER CLASS AND CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMER CLASS Farmer Class Marxist-Leninist and Ho Chi Minh's ideology on the peasant class and the role of the peasant class - A special social class, the peasantry formed during the disintegration of the original communist regime and the development of private ownership of capital goods and the existence of many modes of production, but farmers have never become the dominant class in society. - The social nature and status of the peasantry in society depends on the dominant mode of production and is changing along with changes in socioeconomic patterns and its stages of development.

16 14 - According to the analysis of K.Marx, farmers are both a class and not a class. - Before K.Marx, under the view of many rulers of the ruling class, the peasant class was just "obedient lambs" as "negative forces" and a tool for them to order. The theory of peasantry was only revolutionary when the theory of K. Marx was introduced and was supplemented by the contributions of V.Lenin, Ho Chi Minh and other thinkers. - According to their doctrines, K. Marx, F. Engels, V.I. Lenin have highlighted the great role and position of the peasantry in the historical process. Farmers have always been a "very basic factor of the population, of the production and of the political forces". From the materialist standpoint of history, the Marxist classics identified the role and position of the peasant class based on their private ownership. K. Mark, F. Engels and V.I. Lenin assert that small privatizations, and small production, are the basic economic characteristics of farmers. Farmers are small owners of land, agricultural tools and therefore have an independent economy. - Small farmer's regimes regulate their material and spiritual lives, giving them a distinct identity: Farmer's class is indifferent to politics, and in production is associated with nature, and also the exploited class in feudal society and capitalist society. - Farmer class, despite the spirit of struggle against the ruling class, but by its nature of small ownership, in the proletarian revolution, the peasant class is double-sided. Due to the nature of private ownership, farmers can compromise with the landlord and bourgeoisie to keep their small fortune. On the other hand, as a trafficked worker, peasants are able to follow the proletariat as a revolution to liberate themselves from oppression. - Applying creatively the views of K. Marx, F. Engels and V.I. Lenin on specific conditions in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh emphasized the revolutionary and positive aspects of the Vietnamese peasant class. According to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese peasants are the dominant force in the population who are oppressed by colonial, feudal and even middle-class peasants. Of course, the level of poverty of the peasantry can not be taken as a basis for determining their positiveness. But that is also a significant factor in the set of factors that assert the revolution of the peasant class.

17 15 On the basis of the views of K. Marx, F. Engels, V.I. Lenin, Ho Chi Minh and some other authors, we find that the term "farmer" has the following meaning: (1) Is the class formed during the disintegration of the original communist regime and the development of private ownership of capital goods, which exist in many modes of production; (2) is a large work force in society; (3) play an important role in economic, political and social life; (4) are agricultural workers Viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the peasant class and the structure of the peasant class in the socialist-oriented market economy Before the 6th Congress, the Party and State had many policies and guidelines for agriculture, farmers and rural areas. - Instruction No. 100-CT / TW, dated , of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee on Improving the contracting work, extending the "contracting of products to labouring group and laborers" in agricultural cooperatives ". - Communist Party of Vietnam (1982), Document of the 5th National Congress, Truth Publishing House, Hanoi. The above guidelines of the Party are correct and have made good progress, but in general, is not strictly implemented. Agriculture is not really considered a front-line. Farmers are not paid adequate attention. Agriculture, farmers are not guaranteed the necessary conditions for development, especially materials, capital and incentive policies. Having experienced the VI, VII, VIII and IX congresses, our Party consistently affirmed the great significance of agriculture, farmers and rural areas. The reforms have taken agriculture and countryside as leading fronts and breakthroughs. The Party's policies at this stage are essentially a system of solutions to regulate ownership, management and distribution relations as well as performing industrialization and modernization, promoting modernization and industrialization of agriculture, rural area and farmers, in the overall context of socio-economic reform, created an important impetus for the development of agriculture and rural areas and achieved great achievements. Next, in the X Party Congress (2006), the Party stressed: "At present and for many years, the issue of agriculture, farmers and rural areas is strategically of particular importance", and that farmers are powerful forces with diligent and

18 16 creative patriotic traditions, loyal to the revolutionary cause of the nation, the class and the Party. Under the leadership of the Party, the peasantry of our country in the alliance with the working class and the intelligentsia constitute the unqualified power of the Vietnamese revolution. From the state of development of agriculture, farmers and rural areas, on the basis and continuation of the Party's new guidelines for agriculture, farmers and rural areas in the renovation process, on August 5 In 2008, our Party issued the Document of the Seventh Session of the Xth Congress on Agriculture, Farmers and Rural Areas. It has fully focused our Party's policies on the peasant class. At the XIth Party Congress (2011), the two pillars of agricultural development, farmers and rural development were emphasized: agricultural development in a modern, effective, sustainable and constructive manner, setting up new countryside. - In addition to the orthodox views of farmers as a class, the definitions in the dictionaries may be referenced: (1) Nguyen Van Dam's Dictionary and Composion; (2) Vietnamese dictionary edited by Hoang Phe; (3) Encyclopedia of Vietnam; (4) Wikipedia encyclopedia Based on the views of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's ideology and our Party's views on farmers and the role of farmers, there are references to different perspectives that can define the class Vietnamese farmers are as follows: a large number of people, including individual workers, smallholders in the agricultural sector with mainly the type of family business production and services (self-management unit ), who are strongly changing along with the process of industrialization, modernization of agriculture, rural and new rural construction. From the viewpoints and definitions of the farmers mentioned above, this thesis summarizes some basic characteristics of our farmers and Mekong Delta farmers Transformation of the social structure of the Mekong Delta farmers The concept of transforming the social structure of the peasant class * The concept of social structure of the farmer class The social structure of the farmer class is the way the organization of the particular social structures of the peasantry is structured, including: the social -

19 17 class structure; Social - occupation structure; The social - population structure, social - income structure, social - people's knowledge structure, social - ethnicity structure, social - religion structure... It constitutes the farmer class, performing functions and promoting the role of the peasant class in social development. * The concept of transforming the social structure of the peasant class The transformation of the social classes of the peasantry is a process of change of the class in terms of: social structure - class, occupation, population, people, ethnicity, religion... influenced by many factors in the development process, along with the development of society. From here, the concept of transforming the social structure of the farmer class used by the thesis is understood in the following sense: First of all, the social structure of the peasant class is a historical category, subject to change of time and different in space. In a country or in each region, social structure of the peasantry often changes with the change of living conditions, especially the level of production development, and development policies in each period.. Secondly, social structure change is not only inseparable but also always associated with social and cultural transformation, ie, the transformation of the whole social system. Research on the social structure change of farmers in the Mekong Delta in that sense needs to see its twofold impact: progress and reversal. Thirdly, if social structure change as a dependent variable subject to independent variables, the concept of social structure change must be central to thinking about planning, policymaking to make that change contribute to the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, an equal, democratic and civilized society that the entire Party and people are doing Content of social structure change of Mekong Delta farmers We can imagine the social picture of Mekong Delta farmers in the following aspects: * Social - class structure (floor / group) of Mekong Delta farmers * Social - population structure of Mekong Delta farmers * Social - population structure of Mekong Delta farmers In addition to the basic sections mentioned above about the social structure of the Mekong Delta farmers, there are other signs emerging as forms

20 18 of social structure of farmers such as structure of genders, structure of education, structure of production conditions, structure of income and living standards, ethnicity, religion... All forms of social structure of Mekong Delta farmers are not isolated but they are in a relationship, interacting in multiple directions. Within itself this type of structure also contains elements of other structural types from different angles Characteristics of the social structural change of the Mekong Delta farmers Adapting to the changes of agricultural and rural economy, the social welfare of Mekong Delta farmers is regulated by the following factors: Firstly, the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers is a social reflection of economic structure. Secondly, the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers is regulated by the relationship of production, in which the ownership of material production is mainly land. Thirdly, the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers changed under the influence of the process of reforming the political system and democratizing social life. Fourthly, the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers changed under the influences of socio-cultural development FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHANGE OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA NOWADAYS The social changes of the Mekong Delta farmers are always affected by the following factors: Firstly, natural geographic conditions, socio-economic characteristics and climate change affect the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers. Secondly, economic factors affect the social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers. Thirdly, the political factors affects the social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers. Fourthly, the historical and cultural factors influence the social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers. Fifthly, the impact of international economic integration on the social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers. Sixthly, subjective factors from farmers in the Mekong River Delta.

21 19 Chapter 3 CHANGES OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA NOWADAYS - ACTUAL SITUATION AND ISSUES IDENTIFIED 3.1. THE ACTUAL SITUATION OF CHANGES IN SOCIETY STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA REGION Through studies on agriculture, farmers and rural areas, the changes in social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers are as follows: Transformation of social - class structure (stratum / group) of farmers in the Mekong River Delta The situation of changing social - class structure of Mekong Delta farmers surveyed by us on the factors: Firstly, social stratification of living standards occurs more and more clearly within the Mekong River Delta farmers. Secondly, the change of position in using and owning production materials of Mekong River Delta farmers. Thirdly, changes in socio-political relations of farmers in the Mekong River Delta Transformation of the socio-occupational structure of farmers in the Mekong River Delta The economic structural change in the Mekong Delta has strongly influenced the transformation of social - occupation structure of farmers in terms of width and depth, expressed in the following aspects: farmers Firstly, the structure of professional households. Secondly, the structure of occupational employment Changes in social - population structure of Mekong River Delta The changing status of social - population structure of Mekong River Delta farmers surveyed by us in terms of: Firstly, the change in the number and size of the population. Secondly, demographic change. Thirdly, the variation in the area of residence. Fourthly, the variation in training level.

22 20 * Impacts of social structure change of farmers on rural life in the Mekong River Delta Changes in social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers have both positive and negative effects on the development of rural society. * The major positive impacts of social structural change of farmers on social life in rural Mekong River Delta are: Firstly, changes in the social structure of Mekong Delta farmers facilitating the transition from traditional social structure to modern, diversified social structure has opened the door to new development opportunities for farmers. Secondly, changing the social structure of farmers becomes a condition to promote the material life of the Mekong River Delta farmers in two directions. In the first direction, farmers have the right to make their own decisions on the use of resources, production materials and the increasingly effective support of the State to make wealth and goods, improving your family life. In the second direction, the part of the wealthy peasants who develop their abilities will become the "heads" of the economy in every community. Thirdly, changing the social structure of the Mekong River Delta farmers create conditions for cultural and education development, raising the level of understanding of farmers, enhancing the ability to apply scientific and technical achievements in agriculture. Fourthly, the change of social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers promote the democratization of social life in rural Mekong River Delta. Fifthly, changes in the social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers contribute to maintain stable social politics. * Negative effects: Firstly, the rich-poor gap between the two poles within the Mekong River Delta farmers has been increasing. Secondly, the change of social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers not only leads to a rich and poor gap, but also leads to changes in culture, way of life and changes in the value of life in rural areas. Thirdly, the change of social structure in the Mekong River Delta farmers is happening rapidly in the context of the Mekong River Delta region where

23 21 there are a number of socio-economic issues such as climate change, natural disasters, constant epidemics; the pollution of the living environment and the environment of agricultural production, has negatively impacted the social consensus, the ability to motivate and organize the people to implement the lines and policies of the Party, limiting the construction of new countryside and the ability to promote the active role of farmers for the cause of national construction and development ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN THE CHANGE OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA IN THE CURRENT PERIOD From the situation of changing social structure of Mekong River Delta farmers in recent years, we emerged some urgent issues to solve as follows: Firstly, the widening disparity among the farmers in the Mekong River Delta has affected the position and role of the peasant class and reduced the strength of the workers - peasants - intellectuals union.. Secondly, the birth rate of Mekong River Delta farmers is very high, causing many social implications, thus negatively affecting the social structure change of the Mekong River Delta farmers. Thirdly, the level of education of farmers in the Mekong River Delta is low, negatively affecting the achievement of the objectives of sustainable socioeconomic development, thus affecting the change of social structure of farmers. Fourthly, rural infrastructure in the Mekong River Delta is inferior, which does not meet the requirements of modern rural development, negatively affecting the socio-economic structure transformation of farmers. Fifthly, the situation of economic restructuring is sluggish and there are no pervasive changes to agricultural and rural development that negatively affect the social structure change of the Mekong River Delta farmers.. Sixthly, the increase of spontaneous migration flows from rural to urban areas, especially the youth.

24 22 Chapter 4 PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS IN MEKONG RIVER DELTA UNTIL 2020 AND THE VISION TO PROJECTING THE TREND OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE CHANGES OF THE FARMERS IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA UNTIL 2020 AND VISION TO 2030 Based on the analysis of the situation of social structure changes of the Mekong River Delta farmers and factors influencing that change, we can forecast the changes in social structure of Mekong Delta farmers to 2020 with a vision to 2030 following these trends: Firstly, the trend to appear more middle class and wealthy farmers; The trend of peasant entrepreneurship, peasantization and peasant empowerment in the Mekong River Delta. Secondly, the trend of increasing the level of production and business of farmers in the Mekong River delta in the direction of "hi-tech agriculture". Thirdly, the relative decline in proportions and absolute in the number of farmers in the social and population structure of the Mekong River Delta; forming a new generation of farmers - young people who are trained to do farming. Fourthly, the trend to diversify the structure of the industry in the direction of developing agricultural commodity production. Fifthly, the risk of falling back into poverty for farmers and social evils in the rural Mekong River Delta is increasing. Sixthly, positive change in the psychology, consciousness and lifestyle of the Mekong River Delta farmers due to the rise of education, of cultural exchange in the process of industrialization and urbanization PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE CHANGES IN SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF FARMERS OF THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA IN THE NEW ERA Some perspectives Firstly, the dynamics of the social structure of farmers in the Mekong River Delta must be linked to the implementation of the "Tam nong".

25 23 Secondly, the dynamics of the socio-economic structure transformation of farmers in the Mekong River Delta requires uniform and coordinated solutions between the central and local levels, between the Party, the government and political - social delegations. Thirdly, to promote the transformation of the social structure of farmers in the Mekong River Delta associated with the process of implementation of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the shortened mode Solutions to promote the social structure changes of Mekong Delta farmers up to 2020 with a vision to Firstly, promote socio-economic development. Secondly, the promotion and effective implementation of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas - one of the important conditions to promote the social structure change of Mekong River Delta farmers. Thirdly, good implementation of social policies in combination with economic policies for farmers, agriculture and rural areas in the Mekong River Delta. Fourthly, timely and effectively response to climate change, safely keeping agricultural production, timely prevent negative impacts on the social structure change of farmers in the Mekong River Delta. Fifthly, promote the active initiative of farmers in socio-economic development and management in the rural Mekong River Delta. CONCLUSION In the process of innovation, we are making a transition from a selfsufficient, self-provided and centrally planned economy to a commodity-based economy operating in accordance with the market under the management of the State towards socialism. This transformation has brought about a change in the social structure. As a region where production is predominantly agricultural, more than 70% of the population are farmers, changes in the Mekong River Delta's social structure is first and foremost identified by changes in the social structure of the farmer class. In the Mekong Delta before 1975 there had been the existence of a