Theory of Social Change and its Application in Studying the Traditional Culture of the K’Ho People in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Abstract

This article delves into the repercussions of cultural interference and acculturation by focusing on the traditional culture of Vietnam’s K’Ho ethnic group. Drawing from both quantitative and qualitative data collected in Lac Duong town and Ta Nung commune (in Dalat city), Lam Dong province, the authors apply the social change theory to analyze pivotal K’Ho festivals. The investigation reveals a diminishing presence of festivals such as the New Rice celebration, buffalo stabbing, and gong festivals. This decline is linked to transformations in the agricultural economy and heightened awareness within the K’Ho community. Consequently, these shifts contributed to the development of cultural models within the K’Ho community, aligning with contemporary social development practices. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between cultural preservation, economic shifts, and evolving societal consciousness among the K’Ho people.