Portrayal and Transformation: Analyzing the Representation of China’s Rural Left-behind Children in State Media Discourse

Through the portrayal of rural left-behind children in Chinese state media, this study investigates the evolution of narratives and the societal consequences. The research seeks to uncover its media depiction of left-behind children and how these constitute cultural and policy priorities. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out using a qualitative research approach in order to analyze 20 peer-reviewed studies. Thematic analysis highlighted major shifts in media narratives moving from early portrayals that favored the idea of material deprivation to the more recent narratives that revolved around behavioral and psychological challenges. Visual and linguistic techniques of media encourage empathy and the alignment of narratives with family responsibility and resilience often detract from the realities of systemic problems such as rural to urban inequalities. Differences between the state media and the independent media are highlighted in cross cultural comparisons, Chinese state media emphasizes social harmony and policy alignment, while independent media features systemic critiques. The study’s findings highlight the role of media in helping to form societal values and bolstering policy objectives. More balanced narratives, which integrate systemic critiques, are needed for deeper public awareness and policy reform, as well as scholarly understanding and practical strategies for media practitioners and policymakers.