Well-being of migrant and left-behind children in China

The global trend of urbanization has prompted large-scale rural-to-urban population migration. China, with 277 million rural migrant workers, represents the world’s largest population migration today. The migration profoundly changes individuals’ and families’ lives. Synthesizing Bioecological Theory and Risk/Resilience Theory, this dissertation explores the impacts of family migration on children’s educational achievement, psychosocial outcomes, and physical health. This mixed-methods research includes quantitative analysis of the 2012 China Family Panel Studies data and qualitative inquiry with migrant children, their parents and teachers, and nonprofit agency staff that work with them in Beijing, China. The dissertation argues that migrating to urban areas benefits child development to certain extent; Chinese children from migrant families, however, lack educational and economic opportunities due to China’s Household Registration policy. The study pinpoints a gap in China’s social service and welfare system, and proposes an integrated service model for children from migrant families, which involves family, school, community, nonprofit agency, and government. Combining policy analysis and direct service perspectives, this research develops multilevel intervention strategies that are not currently in place for migrant families. Using China as an example, this research informs public policy and social work practice with children from migrant families on a global scope.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Shuang L