Co-Reasoning With the Significant Other(s): How Childless Older Adults in Rural China Make Residential Decisions

Abstract

Applying the concept of residential co-reasoning, this research explored the role of the next of kin in the residential decision-making of childless older adults in rural China. We examined research questions regarding who, if anyone, had been the significant other(s) during the residential decision-making, and how they conducted the co-reasoning process. A constructivist grounded theory approach was applied, with 27 childless older adults being interviewed. We found that participants tended to choose to age in place if they had a continuous, reliable, and trustworthy relationship with certain members of next of kin, which they referred to as “I have someone at home.” Acquiring care from kin was an ongoing negotiation process. Participants applied three types of negotiations: exchanging properties for care from kin; maintaining relational intimacy with kin; and counting on the filial obligation of kin. Otherwise, if care from kin was unavailable, participants tended to relocate to rural institutions.