Legendary Ancestors, National Identity, and the Socialization of Children in Contemporary Vietnam
14 Pages Posted: 23 Sep 2014
Date Written: September 22, 2014
Abstract
This paper analyses the connection between issues of national identity and the concept of the legendary ancestors (Progenitor Lạc Long Quân, Mother-Fairy Âu Cơ, and the Hùng Kings) in the process of children’s socialization in contemporary Vietnam. Educational products for kids such as books, cartoons, games, school teaching materials and different kinds of extracurricular activities are considered in terms of promoting the ‘Children of the Dragon, Grandchildren of the Fairy’ idea which interprets the essence of national identity for the young Vietnamese. The political objectives of the process, its achievements and its possible threats are also highlighted.
Keywords: Vietnam, national identity, myths and legends, ancestors, children’s socialization
JEL Classification: Z
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