Multidimensional child poverty, social relationships and academic achievement of children in poor rural areas of China

Poverty and poverty reduction in mainland China are the main concerns of development discourse and policy. Among poor individuals, children are the most vulnerable. This study aimed to investigate how multidimensional child poverty influenced children's academic achievement in poor rural areas in China. This study examined how this effect might be mediated by the stock of social relationships. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey of 775 children (grades 4 to 9) living in the most underdeveloped rural areas in southwest China (Eryuan County). Results showed that multidimensional child poverty was negatively related to children's academic achievement. Social relationships played a significant role in mediating the effects of multidimensional child poverty on children's academic achievement. These findings provided valuable insights into the multi-dimensions of poverty and the underlying mechanisms from poverty to children's academic achievement. Implications in theory, social work practice, and social policy were discussed. Social work intervention and prevention were also developed in terms of fostering the growth of social relationships.