Changes in Decision-making Authority in Raglai Ethnic Families in Khanh Hoa Province

Abstract

Using a case study of Raglai ethnic families in Khanh Son, Khanh Vinh districts and Cam Ranh City (Khanh Hoa province), the paper initially explores the decisionmaking authority in the matriarchal families under the effects of innovation, exchange and integration process. The survey result shows that the status, role and authority of wife and husband in these families have been changed in a crucial and positive way. Consequently, there is household decision making shared between wife and husband on the basis of spousal agreement, which promotes progress towards gender equality in modern society.