Inequality is a rising topic of concern in Vietnam. Measured in income terms, inequality remains at average levels compared to other countries, and relative inequality indexes did not change considerably during the 2004 – 2012 period. Yet public perceptions of inequality paint a different picture. This study shows that many Vietnamese perceive that the actual inequality situation differs from that shown in economic statistics. Although income inequality is the most worrying form of inequality, Vietnamese citizens are also strongly concerned about inequality of opportunities, such as access to education, healthcare and employment; and inequality in processes, especially regarding the ability to use social connections for personal gain.

This pioneering study employs mixed quantitative and qualitative survey methods to explore the perceptions of inequality amongst more than 2,000 Vietnamese – men and women, Kinh and ethnic minorities – in six provinces across the country. The quantitative part of the survey was implemented by the World Bank and the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs (under MoLISA); corresponding qualitative research was conducted by Oxfam and Truong Xuan (Ageless) Consulting Firm in 2013.