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Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the doctrines of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues on the moral thought of Vietnamese women in contemporary society. The study addresses the central question of whether and how these doctrines remain relevant within current social and cultural contexts. It traces the historical introduction and transformation of these doctrines in Vietnam. It analyses their dual impact on women’s moral values, highlighting both their enduring ethical contributions and their role in sustaining gendered constraints. The findings suggest that while certain elements of the Four Virtues have been reinterpreted and selectively integrated into modern ethical frameworks, the Three Obediences have largely lost normative legitimacy, though their residual influence persists in social attitudes and practices. By situating these developments within broader philosophical and socio-historical contexts, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions on the reinterpretation of Confucian moral thought in relation to gender equality in contemporary Vietnam. The study adopts a qualitative, philosophical approach, combining historical analysis with the critical interpretation of relevant texts and social data.

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