Date of Graduation

Spring 5-23-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Global Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Global Studies

First Advisor

Jaime Chua

Second Advisor

Olivier Bercault

Abstract

This is a qualitative capstone project that examines marriage trafficking affecting minority ethnic communities in North and South Vietnam. Through a qualitative descriptive research, the significant findings include: (a) girls and women from ethnic minority groups are the most vulnerable to marriage trafficking, (b) marriage trafficking was most prevalent in the mountainous, rural regions of north Vietnam, (c) dowries are used and significantly impact the marriage proposals, (d) most girls and women are marriage trafficked to China, (e) the challenges of staying and leaving a marriage trafficking situation are complex, including leaving their children and facing social stigma, (f) the drivers of marriage trafficking include gender inequality, marriage cultural norms, and socioeconomic status of poverty. In addition to the extensive literature review, a documentary shadowing a young Vietnamese girl being trafficked in rural Vietnam was critically reviewed to frame a comprehensive interview with a highly respected anti- trafficking organization in Vietnam, which ultimately shines a light on the common themes and findings generated by this research.

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