ABSTRACT
The new generation of rural migrant workers is different from their predecessors. Although the older generation of rural migrant workers were also anxious and bewildered over their self-identity, nonetheless, they had certain emotional ties to their rural origins. This enabled them to enjoy more space in which to manoeuvre when facing issues related to their identity. Even if they failed to integrate themselves into city life, they at least had another option, which was to return to the village. Conversely, the new generation of rural migrant workers does not have such an option. Compared to the preceding generation, they have less historical baggage. Since they have had little contact with agricultural production activities, they don’t have many emotional ties to the rural village. Moreover, the emergence of globalization and consumerism has caused them to strongly identify with and yearn for the city. What is confusing is that they embody a mixture of both rural and urban attributes. Confronted by the gap between ideals and reality, their self-identity becomes an apparent problem.
