Yavuz, N., & Welch, E. W.
APA
Yavuz, N., & Welch, E. W. (2010). Addressing fear of crime in public space: Gender differences in reaction to safety measures in train transit. Urban Studies, 47(12), 2491–2515.
Abstract
Research has identified several factors that affect fear of crime in public space. However, the extent to which gender moderates the effectiveness of fear-reducing measures has received little attention. Using data from the Chicago Transit Authority Customer Satisfaction Survey of 2003, this study aims to understand whether train transit security practices and service attributes affect men and women differently. Findings indicate that, while the presence of video cameras has a lower effect on women's feelings of safety compared with men, frequent and on-time service matters more to male passengers. Additionally, experience with safety-related problems affects women significantly more than men. Conclusions discuss the implications of the study for theory and gender-specific policies to improve perceptions of transit safety.
Main finding
Most security strategies address the concerns of both men and women. But this research demonstrates that men and women perceive security differently. Compared with men, experience with safety problems tends to affect women’s perception of safety the most in the transit environment. In addition, female passengers tend to be concerned about social incivilities in the transit environment, while they are less likely to be comforted by the presence of video cameras. Accordingly, increasing periodic random police or security personnel and the presence of operators and customer assistants/staff may help to alleviate concerns about safety more for women. It is therefore important to develop a strategic approach that is sensitive to gender differences.
Description of method used in the article
The authors gather data on train customers from the Chicago Transit Authority Customer Satisfaction Survey from 2003 (n = 1,172) and use statistical methods to analyze the differences between male and female perceptions of safety and their satisfaction with security measures and service features.
Verdict
Of practical use