The Children of China's Great Migration

In China, over 200 million rural migrants worked away from their home villages in 2018, leaving behind over sixty-one million rural children with at least one parent who had migrated. Rachel Murphy's fieldwork in two landlocked provinces explores the experiences of these left-behind children and the impact of parental migration on childhood, family relationships, and institutional discrimination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In 2018, a staggering 200 million rural migrants left their homes in search of work, contributing significantly to China's rapid economic growth. During the 2010s, over sixty-one million rural children experienced the absence of at least one parent due to migration, with nearly half left behind by both parents. Rachel Murphy, through her extensive longitudinal fieldwork in two landlocked provinces, delves into the lives of these left-behind children and explores the profound impact of this massive migration on childhood in China and on family relationships. By incorporating children's voices, Murphy offers a multi-dimensional perspective on various aspects of parental migration, including study pressures, poverty, institutional discrimination, patrilineal family culture, and reconfigured gendered and intergenerational relationships.

The migration of parents has had a profound effect on the lives of children in China. Many children are left behind to care for themselves or are sent to live with relatives or in foster care. These children may face a range of challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and social isolation.

One of the most significant challenges faced by left-behind children is poverty. Many rural families rely on the income of their migrant parents to support themselves, and when a parent migrates, the family's income is often reduced. This can lead to a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and education. Left-behind children may also be more likely to experience food insecurity and malnutrition, which can have long-term consequences for their health and development.

Discrimination is another significant challenge faced by left-behind children. Many rural communities view children who are left behind as a burden and may discriminate against them based on their parent's migration status. This discrimination can lead to social exclusion and marginalization, making it difficult for left-behind children to access education, healthcare, and other opportunities.

Social isolation is also a significant challenge for left-behind children. Many children are left without a strong support network, and they may struggle to form meaningful relationships with their peers and adults. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which can have long-term consequences for their mental health and well-being.

In addition to these challenges, left-behind children may also face cultural barriers and difficulties adjusting to their new environment. Many rural communities have traditional gender roles and expectations, and left-behind children may be expected to take on traditional gender roles and responsibilities at a young age. This can be particularly challenging for girls, who may face additional pressures to adhere to traditional gender norms and expectations.

Despite these challenges, there are also some positive aspects to the experience of parental migration for left-behind children. Many children are able to gain a better understanding of the world and develop a sense of independence and resilience. They may also be more likely to pursue education and career opportunities that may not have been available to them in their rural communities.

There are also efforts underway to support and address the needs of left-behind children in China. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and community groups are working to provide education, healthcare, and other services to left-behind children and their families. These efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life for left-behind children and reducing their social and economic marginalization.

In conclusion, parental migration in China has had a profound effect on the lives of left-behind children. These children face a range of challenges, including poverty, discrimination, social isolation, and cultural barriers. However, there are also some positive aspects to the experience of parental migration, and efforts are underway to support and address the needs of these children. It is essential to continue to prioritize the well-being and rights of left-behind children and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108792295