The Swedish Demographic Association has named RuoXuan Xu the winner of its 2026 thesis competition for the thesis “Why Are Fertility Intentions Declining Among Generation Z Women? Insights from the Chinese Context”, presented in June 2025.
RuoXuan Xu recently completed her Master’s degree in sociology at Lund University. She began her studies in sociology directly after finishing upper secondary school, drawn to the subject as a way of understanding how individual choices are shaped by wider social structures.
– I chose sociology because it offers a unique and profound lens to see the world. Through my studies, I have come to see how deeply individual choices are shaped by society, which has inspired me to take a long-term, critical view of the world around us, RuoXuan Xu says.
The thesis examines the declining fertility intentions among Chinese Generation Z women. Using a qualitative multi-method approach that combines semi-structured interviews with online ethnography, the study shows that young women no longer unquestioningly accept reproductive expectations from older generations. Instead, they demonstrate a strong sense of individual agency and reflexivity.
Key factors shaping their fertility intentions include a desire to focus resources on a single child, a strong emphasis on gender equality, and expectations regarding men’s participation in domestic life. By challenging traditional gender roles, these women are actively contributing to changing family dynamics.
The jury highlighted the thesis for its extensive engagement with existing literature and theoretical frameworks, as well as for its well-grounded analysis, which adds valuable insights into fertility intentions. The jury also noted the clear structure, precise language and engaging narrative style.
Xu hopes to continue her academic career, with a particular focus on the sociology of family, love and intimate relationships.
– I believe that the family has a monumental impact on individuals throughout different stages of life. To me, understanding the relationship between the individual and the family is the smallest and most vital unit for understanding the broader interaction between individuals and society.
Congratulations, RuoXuan Xu!