Abstract:

[Purpose/Significance] This study aims to explore the reading difficulties experienced by children in intergenerational caregiving situations in rural China, analyze the causes of these difficulties, and propose targeted solutions. The research is motivated by the growing concerns about educational disparities and developmental challenges experienced by this vulnerable group, especially within the context of China's rural revitalization strategy. Unlike previous studies, which have primarily focused on the broader category of rural left-behind children, this paper focuses on a specific subgroup－rural children raised by their grandparents - to offer a more nuanced understanding of the unique obstacles these children face in relation to reading. This study contributes to both academic discourse on rural education and efforts aimed at promoting equitable development by identifying the structural and cultural factors that contribute to low reading literacy among these children. By integrating theories of family sociology, educational inequality, and digital divide, it fills a critical gap in existing literature and offers new insights into how intergenerational caregiving intersects with literacy development. [Method/Process] The research was conducted in a rural county located in Guangdong Province. A mixed-methods approach was adopted that combined in-depth interviews with caregivers and teachers, a textual analysis of local education policies, and online surveys of rural schools and community centers. A grounded theory approach was employed as the analytical framework, and a three-stage coding process was used to develop a measurement model for assessing individual reading barriers. This methodological rigor ensured that the findings were grounded in empirical data, yet still allowed for theoretical generalization. [Results/Conclusions] The findings reveal that rural children under intergenerational care face multiple reading challenges, including limited access to books, inadequate reading environments, and a lack of awareness about the importance of reading. These issues stem from complex sociostructural factors, including fragmented family structures, limited educational opportunities for grandparents, and imbalanced use of digital technologies. To address these challenges, the study proposes a multi-pronged intervention framework. This framework includes strengthening policy support for rural reading programs, mobilizing volunteers as reading mentors, guiding the appropriate use of digital tools to enhance literacy, and encouraging intergenerational reading activities within families. While this study provides valuable insights, further longitudinal and comparative research across diverse rural regions is needed to validate and expand upon these findings. Future studies could also examine the long-term impact of reading interventions on children's academic achievement and psychosocial development.

Key words: intergenerational child rearing, rural children, reading promotion, reading dilemma, reading to overcome difficulties