Between Autonomy and Relational Autonomy: Reproductive Decision‐Making in China

Objective This study examines how Chinese parents influence the reproductive decision‐making of their well‐educated adult children, with particular attention to autonomy and relational autonomy. Background In China, family relationships and filial piety continue to shape expectations around respect, responsibility and the continuation of the family line. However, less is known about how these expectations are expressed and negotiated between parents and adult children in everyday family life. Method The study draws on separate semi‐structured interviews with 12 participants, comprising six parent–adult child dyads. Within each dyad, the parent's and adult child's accounts were compared, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns across families. Results The findings show that fertility is rarely discussed through direct or formal family conversations. Instead, reproductive expectations emerge through everyday interactions, indirect reminders and gendered concerns about reproductive timing. Adult children describe delaying childbearing, sometimes indefinitely, in relation to career development, personal readiness and financial stability, while remaining aware of parental expectations. Economic conditions and anticipated parental support, particularly childcare and financial assistance, shape whether childbearing is seen as manageable. Fertility policies are mentioned but are rarely described as direct drivers of reproductive decisions. Conclusion Filial piety does not operate simply as obedience to parental wishes, but through care, emotional reciprocity and mutual consideration. Reproductive autonomy is therefore negotiated through parent–adult child relationships rather than exercised as an isolated individual choice.