The Old Drifters,a kind of ethnic group in the process of social change in China,typically refers to the elderly migrant population from their rural homeland to the city where their children live for family reunion,housework sharing and raising grandchildren.The formation of The Old Drifters is influenced by the interaction of various structural forces,including the impact of market economy,the force of social insurance system,the drive of traditional culture and the national institutions.The Old Drifters,separated from their familiar homeland,have to face the multiple role dilemmas.They are the redundant ones for their children’s nuclear family,the outsiders in the inter generational relationship,the unfortunate suffering from regional conflicts in living habits,the aliens in local social life,and nobody in social hierarchy.Whether they leave or stay in the city,there are numerous obstacles and fetter for these Old Drifters.