'Villagers in the City': Resilience in migrant youth amidst urbanisation.

This article examines the resilience of rural-to-urban migrant children in China amid rapid urbanisation, using a multisystemic resilience framework that considers intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional factors. Based on qualitative interviews with ten migrant children in Beijing, their parents, teachers, and social service providers, the study finds that migration fosters children's independence, personal growth, and future aspirations but also generates significant academic stress. Interpersonal support from parents, siblings, extended family, and peers helps mitigate emotional challenges, though insufficient parental supervision and loss of meaningful relationships remain risks. Institutionally, while urban environments offer better infrastructure, school experiences, and material resources, migrant children face educational discrimination, poor housing, economic deprivation, and systemic marginalisation linked to China's hukou (household registration) system. The study highlights the need for policy reforms, enhanced social services, and sustainable urban planning to support migrant children's well-being.