<P> Recent studies have shown a shift in Vietnam's sex ratio to match that of other countries in the region, where proportions are uneven and men outnumber women . In 2006, the sex ratio was found to be 110 men per 100 women throughout Vietnam, higher than the established normal sex ratio of 106 men per 100 women . Researchers have pointed to the preference for a small family size, which stems from Vietnam's two - child policy, preference for sons, and increase in ultrasound and abortion usage for the cause of the sex ratio shift . </P> <P> In 1988, Vietnam introduced its "two - child policy ." This policy was introduced because of the population size of Vietnam . However, because of the policy, if a woman gave birth to a son first, the chances of her having a second child dropped dramatically even if she desired to have more children . If a woman gave birth to a daughter first, she was more than likely to have a second child even if she did not wish to have additional children . This is because families in most cases would rather have at least one boy . To ensure the sex of children in recent years, Vietnamese families have increasingly been using ultrasound technology and enhancing and developing the produced images . This often leads to the abortion of female offspring . As of late 20th century, economist Amartya Sen has noted the recent advent of sex - selective abortions to further increase the phenomenon of "missing women" worldwide . This notion alludes to the worsening of the women - to - men ratio, with men continuing to outnumber women . </P> <P> Since 1970, overall child mortality rates have declined . However, contrary to nearby countries such as India and China, male child mortality rates have shown to be higher than female child mortality rates most years from 1970 - 2000 . In a study done by Pham et al., boys are 30% more likely than girls to die before a specified age . </P> <P> Overall literacy rates across Vietnam are high, with access to education being relatively equal between males and females . However, regional differences are still apparent, especially amongst the mountainous northern regions . For example, in one study, the region of Lai Chau was found to have a literacy rate for men double that of the women's literacy rate in the region . </P>

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