Faith-based organizations' support for older adults in Vietnam: A comparison of Catholic and Buddhist efforts

Abstract

How faith-based organizations (FBOs) take part in the social welfare system for older adults is of interest to policy-makers and researchers in the face of a rapid aging population. Since FBOs are underexplored in Vietnam, this study provides an insightful understanding and analysis of Vietnamese Catholic and Buddhist FBOs’ participation in social service provision to older adults. By conducting secondary data analysis, semi-structured interviews and field observation at some FBOs’ and public social protection centers for older adults, this article presents some insights into the way Catholic and Buddhist organizations provide short and long-term services to older adults, compare Catholic and Buddhist services, and discuss the challenges of sustainability. To advance understanding, authors also analyze the findings on the context of the complicated relationships between FBOs, government and the welfare state in Vietnam. Based on the findings, the authors suggest a coordinated and planned universalization strategy by the public/ private sectors. Further research is needed to leverage support for the implementation of a cooperative partnership approach in providing social service provisions within a Vietnamese context.