Changes of Decision-making Power in the Matriarchal Family: A Case Study of the Raglai People 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 decision-making power of men and women in matriarchal families under the influences of the reformand integration process. The survey results show that the status, role and power of the wife and the husband in the family have changed considerably towards a positive trend. The household decision-making now is shared between spouses on the basis of discussion and mutual agreement, which promotes progress towards gender equality in a modern societ.