Signs of growing income inequality?

Under Doi-Moi (transitioning to a market economy with a socialist orientation), Vietnam has experienced some economic growth. Unfortunately, all market economies are alike (even those with a socialist orientation) in that people cannot enrich themselves at the same rate. Given choice, people will choose different paths. And due to either skill, or desire, or who they know, or just plain luck, some will become richer – faster – than others. In other words, inequality will grow.

As we bicycled outside of Hoi An we could clearly see signs of growing inequality. Below you see two sets of pictures. First, you’ll see signs of poverty. Second, you’ll see signs of affluence. And, generally, in the Hoi An countryside, poverty and affluence adjoin one another.

Images of relative poverty:

A home outside Hoi An

Young woman cooking lunch over an open fire in the kitchen in her home, in a village outside Hoi An

Images of relative wealth:

A home outside of Hoi An

Another home outside of Hoi An

Text by Greg; photos by Scott

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