Marxist perspectives on the preservation and transformation of traditional Vietnamese culture

Abstract

In the context of globalization, digital transformation, and rapid socio-economic change, traditional culture in Vietnam is facing both new opportunities and significant challenges. The preservation and development of traditional cultural values have become important concerns in academic research and public policy, especially as cultural practices increasingly interact with market forces, modern lifestyles, and digital communication environments. This article examines traditional Vietnamese culture from the perspective of Marxist philosophy, focusing on the relationship between cultural preservation and development in contemporary Vietnam. Grounded in dialectical materialism and historical materialism, the study applies analytical–synthetic, comparative, and interpretive methods to clarify the Marxist conception of culture as a historically conditioned form of social consciousness closely connected with material life and human social practice. From this perspective, traditional culture is not understood as a static legacy to be mechanically preserved, but as a living and evolving social phenomenon that must adapt to changing historical conditions while maintaining its essential social and cultural significance. The article argues that preserving and developing traditional Vietnamese culture should be approached as complementary rather than contradictory processes. Effective cultural preservation requires not only safeguarding historical forms but also enabling meaningful adaptation to contemporary realities. The study contributes to a Marxist interpretation of cultural continuity and transformation while offering reflections relevant to cultural development in Vietnam today.