The Trend of Child Deprivation and Inequalities in China: A Multidimensional Analysis Using Nationally Representative Repeated Cross‐Sectional Data

ABSTRACT Despite China's official declaration of eradicating extreme poverty, concerns remain as to whether child deprivation has been sufficiently addressed. This study adopts the Capability Approach to examine changes in multidimensional child deprivation between 2010 and 2018. Drawing on data from the nationally representative China Family Panel Studies, we construct two indices—functionings deprivation and capability deprivation—based on policy‐relevant indicators. The Alkire‐Foster method is employed to trace trends in child deprivation. The analysis reveals a divergence: while capability deprivation has declined, functionings deprivation has increased over the past decade. Furthermore, disparities persist across household types and regions. Robustness checks across alternative weighting structures and poverty cutoffs confirm the stability of these trends. These findings suggest that, despite the eradication of extreme poverty, children in China continue to experience increasing deprivation, particularly in relation to emerging risks to their functionings. The results underscore the need for a universal, child‐centred welfare system that transcends conventional poverty alleviation measures.