An approach to managing a relational database. The relational database comprises a first table defining a primary key, and at least one other table with a foreign key constraint referencing the primary key. The data of the first table and at least one other table is divided into a plurality of partitions, each containing data associated with a subset of primary key values. Receiving a partition management policy, defining one or more conditions for the first table and at least one other table and an operation performed on the partitions of the first table and at least one other table. Determining if the first table and at least one other table satisfy the one or more conditions of the partition management policy, if not, performing the operation.