Women’s behaviour in public spaces and the influence of privacy as a cultural value: The case of Nablus, Palestine

Manal Al-Bishawi, Shadi Ghadban & Karsten Jørgensen

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APA
Al-Bishawi, M. , Ghadban, S. & Jørgensen, K. (1). Women’s behaviour in public spaces and the influence of privacy as a cultural value: The case of Nablus, Palestine. Urban Studies, 54(7), 1559–1577. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0042098015620519

Keywords
Behaviour Setting , Islamic Values , Public Space , Women's Privacy

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study how women’s privacy needs are met through the physical form of public spaces in both old and new urban designs, using as a case study the city of Nablus, Palestine, which has been significantly influenced by the culture of gender separation. The findings will help develop a better understanding of the relationship between women’s privacy and the physical form of public spaces and will enhance the development of public spaces that women can use comfortably and actively to participate in the urban life. An environmental approach based on the concept of behavioural setting was used to examine women’s privacy issues in the chosen public spaces. Direct observations and questionnaires were used in the fieldwork, in addition to interviews with women and relevant people who influence the women’s privacy. Maps (GIS), sketches and SPSS techniques were used to interpret the data.

Main finding
Findings show that there is a relationship between women's privacy and both women's behaviour and the physical form of the space.

Description of method used in the article

Verdict
Of practical use

Organising categories

Activity
Other or N/A
Method
Field Observations Interviews
Discipline
Urban Design
Physical types
Other
Geographic locations