Typologies of Intergenerational Relations in Urban and Rural China: A Latent Class Analysis

Understanding intergenerational relations in China has become increasingly important against a backdrop of rapid social and demographic transitions and an ongoing urban-rural divide. From the parental perspective, this research investigates patterns and determinants of intergenerational relations between middle-aged and older parents and their non-coresident children in urban and rural China using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2018) ( N = 14,616). Latent class analysis revealed three typologies of intergenerational relations found across both urban and rural China – Tight-knit, Support-at-distance and Material-oriented-detached, and one typology particularly for urban China – Staying-in-touch-but-independent. The observed patterns suggest intergenerational bonds remain solid alongside the emergence of new trends, reflecting the modernization process. Multivariate multinomial regression analysis identified determinants for membership of each relationship typology. The findings will inform policy-makers and care professionals, supporting the identification of the vulnerable groups and the design of targeted policies for older parents with different family resources.