Protestant conversion and social conflict: The case of the Hmong in contemporary Vietnam
Author(s):
Ngo, Tam Tt
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Southeast Asian Studies, Volume 46, Issue 2 (2015-06). pp. 274-292.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This article analyses the social implications of the recent mass conversions to Protestantism by one-third of the one million Hmong in Vietnam. The conversions have been condemned by the Vietnamese state, while being understood by international human rights activists as acts of conscience on the part of the Hmong converts. This article focuses on the internal debate and divisions surrounding conversion among the Hmong themselves. The converts believe that Protestantism is the only way to alter the ethnic group's marginal status in Vietnam while the unconverted Hmong see conversion as a betrayal of Hmong ethnicity. Such conflicting views have been causing deep fractures in Hmong society. Adapted from the source document.