Abstract Background There has been a lack of research on the gender differences in spatial attributes of adolescents' walking activity space (WAS). Moreover, while other literature shows girls walking less through city centres than boys, there are limitations concerning the absence of its precise definition and spatial delimitation. Additionally, the morphological structure of city centres, and differences in their constituent parts have not been considered. Aims In this study, the extent to which the area is used for walking by girls and boys, as well as gender differences in spatio-temporal walking patterns during weekdays were investigated, with a special emphasis on the city centre and its constituent parts. Methods Using a mapping activity, self-reported spatio-temporal walking data from 304 adolescents (168 girls) aged 13–16 years were collected. To fill the gap in existing research, the study was conducted in the central ward of the small medieval historic city of Banská Bystrica (Slovakia). Attributes of WAS were calculated using Standard deviational ellipse analysis and Kernel density method. Gender differences in walking were tested by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for the city centre (defined by a pedestrian zone), its constituent parts (streets and squares) and for the whole ward separately. In all the cases, time of the day was considered. Results Despite the distinction between streets and squares in the city centre, no significant gender differences in walking were found, which is in contrast to the prevailing body of literature. Yet, a slight predominance of girls in the squares (regardless of the time of day) and boys in adjacent streets and alleys (after dark) was present. The WAS of girls was more compact compared to that of boys, with the biggest difference after dark. Conclusions The compact WAS of girls is in line with existing research on adults, despite the absence of traditional gender roles of wife and mother during adolescence. In addition, there is a subtle indication that a pedestrianized historic centre with a high degree of open space in squares and visually enclosed adjacent alleys may create different conditions for gender differences compared to other types of urban cores. In the future, a more in-depth examination of the degree of enclosure in public space and its influence on walking patterns is necessary.

    Highlights In contrast with the prevailing body of literature, no significant gender differences in the amount of walkin activity were found. Walking activity space (WAS) of girls was more compact compared to that of boys, with the biggest difference after dark. Results indicate that a degree of enclosure in open spaces may affect the walking patterns of individuals.


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    Title :

    Questioning gender stereotypes: A case study of adolescents walking activity space in a small Central European city


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2021-01-21




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





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