Effects of Mutual Age-Group Support within Families on Cultivators' Readiness to Relocate from Countryside Residences: Empirical Findings from Henan's Eastern Districts

Rural restructuring in China has accelerated markedly over the past several decades, driven by rapid urbanization, shifting demographic patterns, and comprehensive policy reforms aimed at enhancing land-use efficiency and promoting balanced regional development. Within this evolving landscape, the relocation of agricultural households from traditional countryside residences has become a pivotal aspect of rural transformation. While a substantial body of research has examined the economic incentives and institutional mechanisms underpinning such relocation decisions, comparatively limited attention has been given to the role of intra-family dynamics—particularly the systems of mutual support that exist across different age groups within rural households. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates how reciprocal intergenerational support influences cultivators’ willingness to relocate from rural homesteads in the eastern districts of Henan Province, a region characterized by high population density, significant labor out-migration, and ongoing rural restructuring. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data derived from structured household surveys with qualitative insights obtained through in-depth interviews. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis that captures both statistically measurable relationships and the lived experiences of rural households. The research systematically examines multiple dimensions of intergenerational exchange, including financial transfers, caregiving responsibilities, co-residence arrangements, and emotional support. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how the direction, intensity, and reciprocity of these support mechanisms shape household decision-making processes related to relocation. The empirical findings reveal a nuanced and multifaceted relationship between intergenerational support and mobility decisions. Upward financial support from younger family members—often in the form of remittances from migrant workers—significantly increases the likelihood of relocation by alleviating economic constraints and reducing uncertainty associated with moving to new environments. In contrast, downward caregiving responsibilities, particularly those involving childcare and eldercare provided by older family members, tend to anchor households to rural homesteads and limit their mobility. Furthermore, deeply embedded cultural norms, especially those related to filial piety, familial obligation, and social cohesion, play a critical mediating role in shaping these dynamics. These norms not only influence the expectations and behaviors of individual family members but also reinforce the interdependent nature of household decision-making. By integrating socio-cultural dimensions into the analysis of rural mobility and housing transitions, this study makes a meaningful contribution to the existing literature, which has traditionally been dominated by economic and institutional perspectives. The findings underscore the importance of considering family-based support systems as a central factor in understanding rural transformation processes. From a policy perspective, the study highlights the need for more holistic and context-sensitive approaches that address both economic drivers and social determinants of relocation behavior. In regions where formal social security and welfare systems remain underdeveloped, strengthening institutional support mechanisms—such as elderly care services and childcare infrastructure—may reduce the constraints imposed by intergenerational dependencies and facilitate more flexible mobility decisions. Overall, the study demonstrates that sustainable rural transformation cannot be achieved through economic reforms alone but requires a comprehensive understanding of the social structures and cultural values that shape household behavior. By shedding light on the interplay between intergenerational support and relocation decisions, the research provides valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in rural development and social policy design.