Abstract: Previous researches on the left-behind phenomenon were mainly done from the perspective of individuals；their findings about left-behind children，women and the elderly were basically negative，with a majority of them exaggerating the problems and challenges facing the left-behind individuals. From the point of view family，the left-behind phenomenon can be an adaptation of the family to the current social situation，which is also a means to defend the family. The cooperation between the migrant population and the left-behind ensures the integrity of a family as well as basic conditions for its reproduction. Studies on the left-behind phenomenon should not be over pessimistic；but meanwhile，the concern for and protection of the left-behind population on the policy level is also necessary.

Key words: family strategy, left-behind problem, left-behind phenomenon, left-behind population, poverty alleviation, rural revitalization