Some issues about the social development management model in Vietnam after nearly 40 years of renovation

PROF., DR. LE VAN LOI
Vice President, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

1. Concept of social development management model

Social development is a multifaceted concept. Social development in the narrow sense is the social development of individuals and communities on the basis of paying attention to appropriately solving social problems that arise in the process of economic, political, and cultural development, thereby promoting social progress(1). According to the United Nations concept, social development is a transitional process that leads to the improvement of human life, improvement of social relations, and social institutions towards equality, sustainability, and in association with the principles of democratic governance and social justice(2). According to this concept, there are two aspects that need due attention: (i) Social development policies and achievements in social fields such as education, health, access to information, etc.; (ii) Policies towards classes, social groups, and achievements in social relations and social institutions to ensure security, dignity, and integration of people into society.

Social development management is the conscious and organized impact of the management subject on the objects (people, community, social relationships, social activities, etc.) aiming at social development. Social development management aims to exercise core tasks: Developing social structure (structure of social strata; structure of residence, population, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, occupation, etc.); Orienting and controlling social changes (social stratification, social mobility, etc.); Implementing social guarantees (social security, social welfare, social integration and reintegration, etc.); Implementing appropriate social policies for each subject, each field and area to harmonize social relations and benefit relationships; Handling emerging social problems (social inequality, risks, conflicts, social conflicts, etc.), ensuring stability and social development(3).

The social development management model is an issue that has been discussed a lot in our country recently and there are still differing opinions. There is a conception that before the renovation process, we implemented social development management according to the planning model; Since the start of the renovation period, Vietnam’s social development management model is: “Sustainable social development management, ensuring social progress and justice(4). There are opinions that Vietnam does not have a complete social development management model(5). There is a conception that after more than 35 years of renovation, Vietnam has come a long way in developing a social development management model(6).

From a political theoretical approach, the social development management model is a theoretical and practical generalization of the characteristics, principles, institutions, mechanisms, and methods of managing the social development of a country in a certain historical period. With that meaning, the social development management model in Vietnam was established, operated, adjusted, and perfected according to the goals and requirements of the revolutionary cause. The process of national renovation and development over the past 40 years is also the process of perfecting the social development management model in accordance with the requirements of the transition to socialism in the context of deep international integration.

2. Viewpoints of the Communist Party of Vietnam on social development management during the renovation period

In terms of terminology, it was not until the 12th National Party Congress (2016) that the concept of social development management was officially used in the Congress Documents but throughout the revolutionary process, from the people’s national democratic revolution to the socialist revolution, the Party and the State always paid attention to solving social problems and implementing social policies. Accordingly, social policies include the ones regarding health, education, etc., and policies on social strata.

Although the Party has not yet used the term social development management model, in thinking and practice it has clearly demonstrated the social development management model with specific contents, goals, characteristics, principles, institutions, and methods, including:

Firstly, the goals and characteristics of social development management in Vietnam are oriented towards the social value system: a rich people, strong country, democracy, equitability, civilization, harmony, consensus, solidarity, sustainability, happiness, etc. The goals of social development are consistent with the goals of economic, political, and cultural development, which are all aimed at promoting the strength of the human factor and for human beings; implementing “effective and strict social development management, ensuring social security and human security; realizing social progress and justice; building a healthy and civilized cultural and ethical social environment”(7).

Developing and implementing policies suitable to social strata; harmoniously resolving social relationships and interest relations in society; Effectively solving specific social problems that are relevant to classes, strata, groups, and social sectors (ensuring jobs, income, health services, education, food safety and hygiene, transportation, living environment, etc.).

Building a community of “a democratic, disciplined, consensus, fair, and civilized society”(8); in which all classes and strata of the population have legitimate obligations and rights, and are closely united, contributing to building a prosperous and strong Vietnam”(9), constantly improving material and spiritual life, “improving the quality of life and happiness index of Vietnamese people”(10).

Secondly, social development management in Vietnam has large and complex objects, subjects, and contents. These include social relations, social activities, social dimensions, and social processes of people (class, ethnicity, religion, social group, etc.) with diverse needs and interests during the transitional period to socialism.

Since the 6th National Party Congress (1986), the Party has affirmed: “Social policy covers all aspects of human life: working and living conditions, education and culture, family relations, class relations, ethnic relations, etc”(11).

In 1995, the National Report of the Government of Vietnam on social development at the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen identified 10 social issues that need to be managed and developed as: (1) Job creation; (2) Hunger eradication and poverty reduction; (3); Social integration; (4) Strengthening the role of family; (5) Educational development; (6) Population - family planning; (7) People’s health care; (8) Social security; (9) Environment; (10) Limiting and preventing criminal behavior(12).

In the Documents of the 12th National Party Congress (section: Social development management; implementation of social progress and justice), and the 13th National Party Congress (section: Management of sustainable social development; ensuring social progress and justice), the broad, comprehensive scope of social development and social development management in Vietnam is clearly presented.

Thirdly, the principles, institutions, methods, and mechanisms for organizing and operating social development management in Vietnam are the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the people’s ownership. Accordingly, it is necessary to “fully recognize and ensure socialist orientation in social policies”(13); Along with the core role of the State, the people actively participate in social development management. Comprehensive and strict social management; “Building and implementing synchronous institutions and social development policies, managing sustainable and harmonious social development”(14). Implementing economic growth in conjunction with social progress, justice, and ecological environment protection in each policy. Practicing democracy linked with strengthening the rule of law and ensuring social discipline. Ensuring harmonious relationships of interests; rights and obligations; contributions and benefits, etc. Ensuring that no one is left behind in the process of renovation and development of the country according to socialist orientation; that the country of Vietnam will not be left behind in the global race(15) to keep up, move with the times, and develop on par with the powers of the five continents.

Fourthly, the subjects managing social development in Vietnam include: the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations, social organizations, social groups, social communities, economic organizations(16), etc. Social development management in Vietnam is the responsibility of the entire political system, the State and non-state organizations, and the entire society. Social development management requires high self-awareness of the subjects, among which the State is an important entity, socio-political, socio-professional organizations are the core, and the people are the decisive subjects. The State establishes institutions and social management institutions; socio-political, socio-professional organizations are the core to mobilize, guiding, and creating conditions to enhance the people’s rights of mastery and self-governance(17).

In the current context, it is necessary to “strengthen the Party’s leadership, enhance the strength of the entire political system and the good traditions of solidarity and the strong love of our nation. The State plays a leading role in formulating and organizing the implementation of social policies, while mobilizing strong participation of the entire society; promote international cooperation”(18).

Fifthly, social development and social development management play an important role in innovating and building socialism in Vietnam. Our Party affirms: “ Correct, fair social policies for the benefit of people are a strong motivation to unleash all creative capacities of the people in the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland”(19). Social policy is not only a policy of subsidy, relief, and charity, but it is a system of development policies. Policy of social affairs is linked to and influenced by economic, political, and cultural policies, but it bears relative independence and taking an infiltrating role, influencing economic, political, and cultural policies. Accordingly, social development and social development management shall be placed on the same level, synchronized, compatible, harmonious, and linked with the economic, political, and cultural development and management of economic, political, and cultural development.

3. Results and some issues raised in the social development management model in Vietnam today

Achievements in social development management

During the renovation process, our Party, State, and people have become increasingly aware of the role and the importance of social development and social development management. The subject and content of social development management in Vietnam are increasingly open, inclusive, and comprehensive, while ensuring focus, pillars, and priorities. The system of institutions, policies, and laws on social development management is basically synchronous, comprehensive, feasible(20) and, in fact, has better guaranteed the social security rights of the people.

By 2020, 99.5% of families with meritorious services will have a standard of living equal to or higher than the average one of the populations in their area of residence. Implementing the Millennium Development Goals, Vietnam is recognized by the United Nations as one of the leading countries, especially in hunger eradication and poverty reduction. The average poverty rate decreases by about 1.5% each year. Social insurance and health insurance are increasingly expanding and becoming important pillars of social security. The social service system has been improved, ensuring people’s rights to education, healthcare, housing, clean water, and communication information(21), and so on.

To date, over 95% of adults can read and write; Over 70 of the population uses the internet. The poor and the children under 6 years old and the elderly are given health insurance free of charge. The average life expectancy of people increased from 62 years in 1990 to 73.7 years in 2020. Vietnam’s Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.703 in 2021, belonging to the group with high HDI in the world; The GINI coefficient on income inequality is within a controllable level (below 0.4). A rich people, a strong country, democracy, equitability, civilization, harmony, consensus, solidarity, sustainability, happiness, etc., become the goals, motivations, and value system of renovation and development in Vietnam. These values have greatly contributed to constantly improving the country’s potential, position, and prestige. With that significance, it is clear that Vietnam’s development model and path not only exerts positive economic effects but also solves social problems much better than capitalist countries with the same level of economic development(22).

However, the above results are only the first step. The social sector and social development management still have many limitations, inadequacies and lack sustainability. Some social policies do not cover all target groups, are implemented inconsistently and unevenly between localities, and there are significant disparities in living standards, cultural and spiritual enjoyment among regions, areas, and different target groups. The level of social support is still low, the quality of social security is still limited, and the living conditions of a part of the population are still challenging. The management system is still inadequate, and the management level is not high(23). In some communities, there is still the phenomenon of expectation and reliance on the support of the State and society. Overlapping functions, tasks in management, lack of coordination and cohesion between subjects in leadership, and management of social development still exist in many places. In some respects, social development and social development management are not truly on par, synchronous, and compatible with economic, political, and cultural development.

Some issues raised regarding the social development management model in Vietnam today

Firstly, practice shows that there are certain confusions in the perception of and operation of the social development management model. Perhaps, within the national social development management model, there is also a system of “sub-models”. In research and practical activities, there is a need to establish, identify, and perfect an appropriate social development management model. The socialist-oriented market economy model and the socialist rule-of-law state have been specifically identified. Therefore, it is also necessary to officially identify the cultural development model and the social development management model in accordance with the characteristics and requirements of the transitional period to socialism in Vietnam.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure a socialist-orientated viewpoint and clearly demonstrate the superiority of socialism in the social field while the current state of social development management still shows many limitations and inadequacies. In the pre-renovation period, although facing many difficulties, our country as well as many socialist countries made great efforts and achieved many achievements, social values demonstrate the superiority of socialism, especially in education, health care, employment, childcare, protecting and ensuring the rights of women and the elderly, and so on.

Currently, under difficult economic conditions, Cuba still maintains those advantages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam made efforts and solved many social problems which were recognized and highly appreciated by both the people and internationally, demonstrating the superiority of the socialist regime(24). However, that context is served as a test, revealing the limitations, inadequacies, and unsustainability in social development and social development management, including those limitations and shortcomings that cannot be overlooked.

Thirdly, the requirement for comprehensive, strict, and unified social development management while in reality still does not cover all aspects and fields of social life, and the legal system still lack uniformity. There are policies and laws that are not powerful enough to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the people or still foster passivity, and reliance, not encouraging the spirit of initiative and creativity in implementing social policies(25).

In many programs, plans, and reports on socio-economic development at all levels, sectors, and localities, social content and social aspects are still rarely mentioned. Many agencies, units, and organizations protect children, prevent domestic and school violence, etc., yet many children still suffer from abuse at home, at school, and in the community. Charitable and humanitarian activities in the community in recent years, while having advantages that need to be promoted, have also raised many problems with complex consequences.

Fourthly, social development and social development management are required to follow the demands of modern, effective national governance reform, and the requirements of a rule-of-law state, transparency, accountability, fulfilling international commitments, and responsibility in addressing global issues and challenges(26).

Social development management shall be oriented towards promoting the role of multiple subjects, in which the State is the pillar, playing the role of creating development. The organizational and management apparatus for social development requires improvement towards streamlining, effectiveness and efficiency on the basis of reducing focal points, intermediaries and rationally organize multi-sectoral and multi-industry ministries. That is an essential requirement, and demand. Meanwhile, our country’s infrastructure and social development management apparatus have many limitations, are outdated and have overlapping functions.

Furthermore, the need to innovate national governance, including governance and management of social development in a modern and effective direction, is very urgent, but in reality, in recent years there has been an mentality of fear of responsibility, indifference, insensitivity, irresponsibility, not daring to speak, not daring to do, not daring to act for the common benefits, including pressing and emerging social issues, etc.

Fifthly, it is required to continue innovating and perfecting the social development management model with a social framework and structure(27) compatible with the structure and model of economic, political, and cultural development, ensuring socialist orientation in line with Vietnamese conditions and trends of the times.

The social development management model in Vietnam must originate from Vietnam’s practical requirements and refer to and creatively apply international experiences. However, it cannot be based on subjective will only but shall be based on awareness and correct application of the objective laws and regularities of the transitional period to socialism(28).

Social development and social development management in Vietnam must be based on awareness and effective resolution of major relationships, such as: the relationship between developing productive forces and the construction and gradually perfection of socialist production relations; among the State, the market, and society; between economic growth and cultural development, realizing social progress and justice, and protecting the environment; between Party leadership, State management and people’s ownership; practicing democracy is associated with strengthening the legal system and ensuring social discipline.

4. Some recommendations on the social development management model in Vietnam today

Firstly, it is necessary to urgently research, identify, clearly, and officially shape the social development management model during the transitional period to socialism in Vietnam to be consistent, synchronous, and compatible with the socialist-oriented market economic development model; the model of the socialist rule- of-law state; An advanced model of Vietnamese cultural development, rich in national identity (4 pillars belonging to 4 basic areas of social life). Many countries also talk about the environmental pillar in the sustainable development triangle, or the “ecological civilization” pillar in the “five-factor unity”: economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological factors” of the socialism model bearing Chinese characteristics(29). The goals, content, and characteristics of the social development management model are a rich people, a strong country, democracy, equitability, civilization, harmony, consensus, solidarity, sustainability, happiness, etc., have been shaped and established in both theory and practice.

Therefore, in our opinion, after more than 10 years of implementing the Resolution of the 5th Plenum of the 11th Central Committee on a number of social policy issues for the period 2012-2020, the 13th Central Executive Committee needs to research and promulgate a new Resolution on social policy in Vietnam in the new period. In particular, there should be an official theoretical overview of building and perfecting the management model of sustainable and harmonious social development orientated towards socialism.

Secondly, raising social awareness about the role, objects, conditions, content, and subjects of social development and social development management. Investing in social development and social development management is an investment for sustainable development. Rapid and effective economic development is a central condition for social development(30), however, currently, social development and social development management must be placed on the same level, synchronized, compatible, harmonious, and associated with economic development, politics, culture and management of economic, political and cultural development with comprehensive, rational and coherent content oriented towards social benefits and social value system(31): prosperous people, a strong country, democracy, equitability, civilization, harmony, consensus, solidarity, sustainability, happiness, etc.

Social development and social development management are not only the responsibility of ministries, branches, and specialized agencies but also the responsibility of all organizations, ministries, branches, and localities in the country. The State plays a core role in encouraging each citizen, businesses, social organizations, individuals, and foreign organizations to participate in solving social problems, etc. This content must be fully and deeply understood and grasped, especially by leaders of party committees and authorities at all levels to always be proactive and creatively responsible in building and implementing policies on social development.

Thirdly, continuing to renovate and improve institutions, mechanisms, policies, laws, organizations, and apparatus to perfect the social development management model according to the requirements of renovating national governance(32). This is one of three strategic breakthroughs that play a particularly important role. Without overcoming institutional barriers and bottlenecks, it is impossible to achieve breakthroughs in infrastructure and human resources for innovation and national development in general, including social development in particular. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to thoroughly grasp and promote the institutionalization of the Party’s orientations and viewpoints in the Documents of the 13th National Party Congress on the management of sustainable social development, ensuring social progress and justice(33).

All decisions of the Party and the State on policies, laws, organizational structures (separating and merging agencies, ministries, branches, localities, etc.) and human resources shall pay due attention to social aspects, social content, social costs, and social impacts. Institutions, policies, and laws governing social development shall ensure “unity, synchronization, feasibility, openness, transparency, stability, international competitiveness, taking the legitimate rights and interests of the people as the center, promoting renovation, ensuring the requirements for sustainable economic, social, defense and security development under new conditions”(34).

Fourthly, research, consult, and apply international experience on modern national governance, and smart and effective social development governance.

The experience of many countries, especially Northern European countries, shows that in national governance and social development management, the key factor is still the effective handling of the market - state - society relationship(35). The roles, levels, and priorities of factors in different stages and periods in each country may be different, however, no country can succeed in economic, political, cultural, and social development if it only relies on one of the three pillars and disregards the other two: state, society, or market. Labor and employment policies be a priority focus within economic and social development policies.

Persist in pursuing goals and core values, while also being very flexible and creative in adjusting specific policies when situations and conditions change. The welfare state does not just redistribute; the state needs to distribute in advance by investing more in education, infrastructure, etc., to create equal opportunities for everyone(36). The state is not only present to correct market failures; The state shall guide, support, and promulgate policies and institutions to promote the roadmap to transform the operations of companies and the entire economy and consumption towards green methods(37).

Digital transformation and renovation are inevitable, but this process must be systematically and solidly organized, and it must not be forgotten that people, not machinery, who play the “driver” role. These are very valuable international experiences that, in reality, Vietnam has referred to and applied and needs to continue referring to and applying creatively under the current conditions.

Fifthly, organize the serious and effective implementation of State policies and laws, including policies on social development and social development management. The Documents of the 13th National Party Congress clearly state: “Effectively implement social policies, ensure social security and welfare, human security, create strong changes in social development management, and implement social progress and justice; improve the quality of life and happiness of the people”(38). Social policies, social content, and social goals must hold a worthy position in programs, plans, and socio-economic reports of the nation, localities, agencies, and units. Along with the annual national economic report, there should be an annual national report on social affairs.

Continue to apply and utilize social measurement, evaluation, and development indicators at the national and local levels, moving towards building a set of social development indicators(39), including the human development index - HDI, multidimensional poverty index - MPI, social progress index - SPI, sustainable development goals – SDG, etc. The application of international indicators in assessing and measuring socio-economic development is both a pressure and a driving force for Vietnam’s renovation, development, and proactive international integration(40).

The more complete, comprehensive, and objective the evaluation criteria and indicators are, the more effective it is to affirm, recognize, and honor organizations, individuals, and businesses that perform well; to protect organizations and individuals who dare to think, dare to do, dare to act for the common benefits, identify, fight, and strictly and promptly handle violations in addressing social problems and the management of social development in an easier and more effective way.

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Received: August 13, 2023; Revised: September 4, 2023; Approved for publication: September 14, 2023.

Endnotes:

(1) Ngo Ngoc Thang - Doan Minh Huan (Co-editor): Some theories on social development and social development management (Applications for Vietnam today), National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2014, p.21.

(2) United Nations Institute of Social Research and Development: Social development in an uncertain world, 2011, http://www.unrisd.org/research....

(3), (17) Phung Huu Phu, Nguyen Van Dang, Nguyen Viet Thong: Learning some terms in the documents of the 12th National Party Congress, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2016, pp.260-261, 260-261.

(4), (28) Le Thi Thanh Ha: Building a social development management model according to Marx’s concept, https://hdll.vn/, March 11, 2022.

(5), (39) Trinh Duy Luan: Model and practice of social development management in our country today, Political Theory Journal, No.11-2018, p.35, 40.

(6), (15) Nguyen Quang Thuan: Social development management model in Vietnam in the current period, https://hdll.vn, December 6, 2022.

(7), (10), (13), (14), (32), (33), (34), (38) CPV: Documents of the 13th National Party Congress, vol. I, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2021, pp.116, 202, 147, 148, 203, 147-152, 285, 47.

(8), (19) CPV: Documents of the 11th National Party Congress, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, p.104, 79.

(9) CPV: Complete Party Documents, vol.51, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2007, p.145.

(11) CPV: Complete Party Documents, vol.47, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2006, p.768.

(12) Nguyen Thanh Tuan: Discussion on development and management of the social sector, http://www.molisa.gov.vn, January 3, 2012.

(15) Nguyen Quang Thuan: Social development management model in Vietnam in the current period, https://hdll.vn, updated December 6, 2022.

(16) Hoang Chi Bao - Doan Minh Huan (Co-editor): Basic theoretical issues on social development and current social development management applied to Vietnam, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2012, p.49.

(18) CPV: Resolution of the 5th Conference of the Party Central Committee (11th term) on some social policy issues in the period 2012 - 2020.

(19) CPV: Documents of the 11th National Party Congress, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, p.79.

(20) Typically: Labor Code; Employment Law; Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene; Education Law; Law on Vocational Education; Law on Vietnam Fatherland Front; Law on Elderly; Trade Union Law; Youth Law; Disability Law; Law on Children; Law on Belief and Religion; Law on Social Insurance, Law on Health Insurance; Law on Environmental Protection; Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control; Law on Marriage; Gender Equality Law; Law on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking; Population Ordinance; Law on Red Cross Activities; Law on Medical Examination and Treatment; Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Tobacco; Housing Law, Residence Law; Law on Drug Prevention and Control; Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Beer; Food Safety Regulation; Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases.

(21), (23) Conclusion No. 92-KL/TW dated November 5, 2020, of the Politburo on continuing to implement the Resolution of the 5th Plenum of the 11th Central Committee on a number of social policy issues for the period 2012 - 2020.

(22), (24) Nguyen Phu Trong: Some theoretical and practical issues about socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2022, p.33, 33.

(23) Conclusion No. 92-KL/TW dated November 5, 2020, of the Politburo on continuing to implement the Resolution of the 5th Plenum of the 11th Central Committee on a number of social policy issues for the period 2012 - 2020.

(25), (40) See also Le Van Loi: The Communist Party of Vietnam leads the implementation of social progress and justice in the renovation period, http://lyluanchinhtri.vn, October 12, 2021.

(26) Nguyen Huu Hoang, Tran Van Huan: Management of Vietnam’s social development in the context of digital society and super smart society, VNU Journal of Science: Policy and Management Studies, vol.37, No.3 (2021) 35-51.

(27), (31) Do Van Quan: Proactively forecast and build a social structure consistent with the country’s development goals until 2045, https://tuyengiao.vn, October 7, 2022.

(29) Do Tien Sam: New renovations in the theory of Socialism with Chinese characteristics in the 19th National Party Congress, http://vnics.org.vn, May 21, 2019.

(30) Ngo Thang Loi: Management of sustainable social development in Vietnam, https://mof.gov.vn, February 1, 2022.

(35) Le Anh: Nordic socio-economic model: Achievements and lessons learned, https://dangcongsan.vn, March 23, 2018.

(36) Thomas Piketty (Vietnamese translation by Tran Thi Kim Chi, Hoang Thach Quan; edited by Vu Thanh Tu Anh): Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Tre Publishing House, Ho Chi Minh City, 2021, p.592.

(37) Susanne Beyer, Simon Book, Thomas Schulz: Capitalism - finding a smoother journey, https://diendankhaiphong.org.