MARRIAGE OF THE RAGLAI IN KHANH HOA: FROM THE TRADITIONAL MATRILINEAL MODEL TO A BILATERAL TREND

Abstract

The article analyzes the transformation of the marital structure among the Raglai in Khanh Hoa – a representative matrilineal community in South Central Vietnam. Drawing on qualitative methods and ethnographic fieldwork, combined with secondary sources, the study applies structural-functional theory and a gender perspective within matrilineal systems to explain contemporary changes in marriage practices. The findings show that Raglai marriage is shifting from the traditional matrilineal model toward a “bilateral” (dual-partner/dual-gender) trend, in which decision-making related to family and economic matters is increasingly shared between men and women.