Moderation effect of social capital on flourishing among left-behind and other children in rural China

Abstract

This study examines the ways that social capital sustains flourishing among rural Chinese children, including left-behind children (LBC). Social capital combines structural, substantive, and functional components. Data came from a survey of 995 children in rural areas of China. Results show that LBC experienced significantly lower flourishing and social capital than did other children. In addition, background factors including caretakers’ education and parental marital status had great positive effects on flourishing. Furthermore, the interaction effect of social capital and parental marital status was significantly positive on flourishing. The findings imply the need to boost social capital and flourishing in LBC. Meanwhile, maintaining parental marriage is important for boosting flourishing.