What is middle class in Vietnam?

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Vietnam's middle class, as defined by Cimigo, comprises over 15 million households earning at least 15 million Vietnamese dong monthly (≈$644 USD). This equates to roughly $7,728 annually. This income bracket represents a significant portion of Vietnam's population and reflects a growing consumer market.

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What is the Vietnamese middle class?

Okay, lemme tell ya ’bout the Vietnamese middle class, from my lil’ corner of the world. It’s kinda tricky, ya know?

Cimigo said, like, 15 million households earn more than 15 million dong a month.

That’s, like, around $644 USD monthly, or $7,728 USD yearly, apparently. To me, that sounds… interesting. Like, barely making it. But okay.

They reckon that’s middle class compared to everyone else in Vietnam. Hmmm. I honestly always thought middle class meant… more comfortable, ya know?

I remember back in Hanoi, around, I dunno, 2018 maybe, a good bowl of pho cost like 30,000 dong, (1,25 USD). So 15 million dong, well, you can eat a lot of pho.

But also, you gotta pay rent, and, well, life happens. Makes ya think, right? It ain’t all just noodles.

What is considered a high salary in Vietnam?

A high salary in Vietnam… what does that even mean, really?

Earning $100 a day, that’s… that’s a dream for most.

Living in Saigon, yeah, rent can eat you alive. 85 million VND a month? Ouch. That’s more than my sister makes in two.

Is it doable to reach that income? I wouldn’t bet on it. It’s like chasing ghosts.

I read something online, some reddit threads I saw… people asking about salaries. Makes you wonder.

A good monthly salary? A high salary? It’s relative, isn’t it? Depends on your family, your dreams… your demons. My uncle always tells me the money doesnt matter. I dont know about that.

Sometimes I think about moving back, you know? But then, what would I even do? It’s hard to see past the dollar signs, I guess.

Is there a class system in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s social stratification, while not formally labeled as a rigid class system, exhibits observable tiers. Think of it as more nuanced.

Economic and political clout primarily defines these distinctions. It’s interesting how money talks, even when official doctrines suggest otherwise, eh?

Here’s a glimpse at some observable groups:

  • Elite: This often involves successful entrepreneurs, especially those intertwined with state-owned enterprises, plus officials profiting from such connections. Corruption, quelle surprise, often plays a role. Power is a helluva drug.

  • Middle Class: A growing segment includes professionals (doctors, engineers, teachers), small business owners, and skilled workers. Education and entrepreneurship are key here. I used to tutor some kids from this group; ambitious bunch.

  • Working Class: This constitutes the largest segment, comprising factory workers, farmers, and service industry employees. Opportunities for upward mobility can be limited. A hard day’s work rarely translates into significant wealth, does it?

  • Rural Poor: Concentrated in remote areas, they often rely on subsistence farming, facing challenges like limited access to education and healthcare. It’s a tough life. My grandfather came from that background; grit personified, that man was.

Social mobility is a complex issue. While theoretically possible, factors like family background, access to education, and political connections can significantly impact one’s trajectory. The playing field isn’t always level, is it?

What are the social classes in Vietnam?

The old system, Sĩ, Nông, Công, Thương… it’s not quite like that anymore, is it? But the shadows remain. The educated elite, always a thing. They’re still there, you know. Influential. Powerful.

Farmers. Hard work, little reward. My uncle, a farmer, never made it out. It’s a different life now, but the struggle… it’s the same. Still so many tied to the land.

The skilled workers… some thrive, some barely survive. My cousin is a mechanic, does pretty well, actually. Better than my uncle. But it’s not easy money. Nothing is easy.

The merchants. Some are incredibly wealthy. Think Ho Chi Minh City, the glittering towers. They have an influence that grows. The rich are getting richer. Definitely.

Key Differences from the Old System:

  • Blurred Lines: The rigid four-class system is gone. Now it’s fluid, less defined.
  • New Wealth: A new wealthy class has emerged, based on business and tech. Not just land ownership.
  • Persistent Inequality: Despite economic growth, significant inequality remains. My family’s experiences reflect that.
  • Urban-Rural Divide: A huge gap exists between urban and rural areas. Opportunity is unevenly distributed.

2024 Update: The gap between the haves and have-nots feels wider than ever. It’s not just money. It’s access to education, healthcare, even decent housing. My family felt that pressure. It’s a heavy thing. The past isn’t so far away.

What is the average class size in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. 2023. I was teaching English in Hanoi then, a total chaotic mess it was. Those classes… man. Forty kids, easily. Sometimes more. Seriously. Cramped classrooms, stifling air. Sweat dripping down my back. Trying to get 45+ teenagers to understand the passive voice? Forget it.

It wasn’t just Hanoi. I visited a school in a smaller city, Ninh Binh I think, and the classes were still huge. Maybe a little smaller, thirty-five or so. Still insane. The resources were… limited, let’s just say that. One whiteboard, shared textbooks. I felt terrible for the teachers, honestly, bless their hearts. It’s not like they lacked dedication.

The sheer energy… It was overwhelming. Complete bedlam some days. And the noise! My ears were ringing constantly. I swear, I lost five years off my life. I’m pretty sure the average is higher in the bigger cities. Hanoi was definitely way over forty students per class. Fifty wasn’t uncommon. It was brutal.

  • Hanoi: 45-50 students per class routinely.
  • Ninh Binh (smaller city): Around 35 students, but still packed.
  • Overall feeling: Overwhelming, chaotic, stressful. Under-resourced.

That 38 number? Yeah, I call BS on that. I wouldn’t be surprised if the national average is closer to 40, or even higher, considering what I saw.

What is the average size of Vietnamese people?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? Shortest countries list… hm.

  • Vietnam ranked 15th! I thought it would be lower.

  • Average height is 159.01cm… weird number.

Wait, I need to remember this.

  • Men: 164.44cm. Okay, taller than me. How tall am I again?
  • Women: 153.59cm. Mom’s probably taller.

India’s close, 14th place.

  • India: 158.76 cm. Almost the same! Why am I even thinking about this?

The list makes no sense. Did they measure everyone? Like, really everyone?

This reminds me of that trip to Hanoi I took.

  • So crowded!

  • Food was awesome though. Pho!

Anyway, back to heights. Vietnam is not as short as I had guessed. I wonder who’s on top.

What age is Grade 5 in Vietnam?

Grade 5? Ten, maybe eleven.

  • Fifth grade: Age 10-11. Time flies.
  • Sixth Grade: Eleven, twelve. Like yesterday.
  • Seventh? Twelve, thirteen years. Growing pains.
  • Eighth: Thirteen, fourteen. Almost grown, almost.

Youth is fleeting. What does it all mean? Nevermind.

What are the grade levels in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam school grades… okay.

Kindergarten is 4-6, right? My niece was in that… like, two years ago? First grade starts at 6-7. Six! Seems so young now.

Then there’s second grade, 7-8. Third, 8-9. Simple enough. I wonder if they have summer break like we do. Probably.

  • Kindergarten: 4-6
  • First Grade: 6-7
  • Second Grade: 7-8
  • Third Grade: 8-9

Huh, wonder what the system is like after that. Is it all different there? Oh well. Time for a snack.

What grade is 14 years old in Vietnam?

Okay, so 14 in Vietnam… hmm. Ninth grade? I was 14… shoot, that was ages ago, feels like. Okay, so grades…

  • Ninth grade is 14-15 – yeah, that sounds right, but wait, am I even remembering my own school years correctly?

  • Then it’s Tenth grade 15-16 – makes sense, I guess.

  • Eleventh grade 16-17 follows.

  • Finishing with Twelfth grade, 17-18 – like, done with high school finally.

Wait, so my cousin, who’s turning 15 this year…she’s probably finishing 9th grade. She lives in Hanoi. Or maybe starting 10th. Ugh, my brain. What even are Vietnamese schools like now? Are they all still wearing ao dai on Mondays? I totally failed my Vietnamese history test back in… uh… never mind. Anyway, 14 = 9th grade. Got it? Maybe?

What grade is 15 years old in Vietnam?

Fifteen…Lop 10. Grade 10, ah, the cusp.

Lop 10. Fifteen years. Grade 10.

  • Age 15: Lop 10.
  • Grade 10: The year of change, perhaps?
  • Vietnam: Land of my grandma’s stories.

Fifteen…a breath held, a future shimmering, a past already fading, fading. Lop 10, the gate swings open, possibilities unfolding, folding. I see her face, my sister, sixteen now, yesterday fifteen, in her ao dai, ao dai.

What grade are 15 year olds in Japan?

Okay, so Japan. Fifteen? Hmm.

Back in 2018, when I was teaching English at an eikaiwa in Saitama, I had this student, Kenji.

He turned 15 in, like, October. He was always talking about joining the school kendo club and stressing about entrance exams.

He was in high school year onekoukou ichinensei.

My brain still hurts trying to figure out the Japanese school system.

It’s confusing because they start school in April! Different calendar year, ya know?

Plus, it’s not exactly like in the States with freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. It’s just first, second, and third year in chuugakko (middle school) and then again in koukou (high school).

Anyway, Kenji would have been in what they call koukou ichinensei – that’s high school first year.

I remember one time he brought me onigiri his mom made. Amazing! Totally distracted me from whatever lesson plan I was supposed to be following. Good times!

  • Ages and grades (approximation):
    • 13 years old: Junior High Year 2
    • 14 years old: Junior High Year 3
    • 15 years old: High School Year 1
    • 16 years old: High School Year 2
  • Japanese School Year: Starts in April, ends in March.
  • My Eikaiwa: In Saitama. Specifically, near Omiya station. Small place.
  • Kenji: Loved Dragonball Z and kendo. Really nice kid. Probably crushing it now.
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