Abstract: The issue of rural population is a key to rural revitalization. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study employs the instrumental variable method to investigate the impact of living arrangements on the fertility intentions and fertility behavior of rural women of childbearing age, and explores the heterogeneity of different population groups and the underlying mechanisms. Empirical results indicate that living with parents increases the fertility intentions of rural women and significantly promotes their fertility behavior. This influence varies across samples based on employment status and the age of parents. Further mechanism analysis demonstrates that living with parents affects the fertility choices of rural women by increasing the accessibility of household and economic support, as well as intergenerational transmission of values. Consequently, suggestions aiming to create a fertility-friendly environment including providing subsidies for cohabiting elderly individuals, enhancing medical and daycare services in rural areas and strengthening gender equality education can boost the confidence of rural women in childbirth and alleviate the declining fertility rates in rural areas.

Key words: rural woman, living arrangement, fertility choice, instrumental variable