Economic Security and Income of Ethnic Minority Communities in a Southeast Asian Nation: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates economic security through the lens of income among ethnic minority communities in the northern highlands of Vietnam, focusing on the Tay and Hmong groups. These groups have historically faced lower income levels, limited access to resources, and structural barriers in the labor market, making them a critical population for assessing economic security and tracking changes over time. Adopting a quantitative approach, the research employs multiple linear regression models (Model 1: overall sample; Model 2: ethnic-specific sub-samples) to examine three key dimensions—capability, efficiency, and sustainability—and identify factors shaping household income. Survey data from 280 respondents were analyzed using t-tests and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression in Stata to estimate the effects of demographic, capability, and sustainability variables on income. Results reveal that language proficiency in both national and foreign languages strongly enhances income, highlighting the role of human capital as a driver of economic security. Cultivated land area contributes positively to income for the Tay, reflecting the importance of natural resource access and productive utilization. Participation in workplace decision-making also correlates with higher income, emphasizing the economic value of participatory governance. Conversely, longer tenure in the same job is associated with lower income, revealing structural constraints and limited opportunities for skill upgrading in rural labor markets. The findings underscore that education level alone does not guarantee higher income, while living standards provide an enabling environment for better economic outcomes. Policy implications focus on developing targeted language programs, promoting inclusive decision-making, supporting continuous skill development, and tailoring agricultural and land-use policies to reduce disparities among ethnic groups. Overall, the study highlights the interplay between individual capabilities and structural factors in securing sustainable livelihoods and offers evidence-based insights for promoting equitable development among Vietnam’s national minorities.