What does this research mean for the field?

Return migration among rural–urban migrant families in China is a family strategy shaped by intergenerational negotiation over childcare responsibilities, influenced by macrostructural constraints and early-life experiences. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how intergenerational dynamics influence return migration decisions related to childcare in rural–urban migrant families in China.

February 19, 2026Japanese Journal of SociologyOpen Access

Family Strategy in Childcare: Intergenerational Negotiation Over Return Migration in the Rural–Urban Migrant Family in China

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Authors

GXGUO Xinran

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Overview

Research demonstrates how intergenerational negotiation affects return migration decisions in rural–urban migrant families, suggesting significant implications for policy.

Key Points

The study aims to explore how intergenerational dynamics influence return migration decisions related to childcare in rural–urban migrant families in China.
Adopted a life course approach to analyze return migration patterns.
Examined negotiation processes among 27 grandparent-mother dyads.
Identified three patterns of intergenerational return negotiation: relay-style, mother-dominated, and grandparent-dominated.
Return migration is influenced by childcare responsibilities and familial strategies.
Adverse early-life experiences of family separation drive return migration decisions.
Macrostructural factors like the hukou system play a crucial role in shaping these negotiations.

Cite This Study

GUO Xinran (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6996a7ffecb39a600b3ee396 https://doi.org/10.1111/ijjs.70003

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February 19, 2026Japanese Journal of SociologyOpen Access

Family Strategy in Childcare: Intergenerational Negotiation Over Return Migration in the Rural–Urban Migrant Family in China

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

GXGUO Xinran

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Research demonstrates how intergenerational negotiation affects return migration decisions in rural–urban migrant families, suggesting significant implications for policy.

Key Points

The study aims to explore how intergenerational dynamics influence return migration decisions related to childcare in rural–urban migrant families in China.
Adopted a life course approach to analyze return migration patterns.
Examined negotiation processes among 27 grandparent-mother dyads.
Identified three patterns of intergenerational return negotiation: relay-style, mother-dominated, and grandparent-dominated.
Return migration is influenced by childcare responsibilities and familial strategies.
Adverse early-life experiences of family separation drive return migration decisions.
Macrostructural factors like the hukou system play a crucial role in shaping these negotiations.

Cite This Study

GUO Xinran (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6996a7ffecb39a600b3ee396 https://doi.org/10.1111/ijjs.70003

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