China’s social changes have altered the family structure of rural villagers, leading to increasing numbers of rural left-behind elderly (RLBE). RLBE are considered victims of social changes, abandoned by their migrant children. However, this ethnographic work from two villages in southern China showed that the problems of RLBE are not related to being left behind but stem from institutional deficiencies faced by rural families. RLBE have been adapting to social changes and showed some signs of individualization; with improved economic status, they will have more opportunities to make personal choices. Nevertheless, migration is a family project; familism is still the core, yet descending. Descending familism was a re-embedment to regain a safety net when institutions were deficient. However, familism is not enough to cope with great risks. New ways to develop rural areas are key to solving the problems of RLBE and their families.
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