Mobilising Gender Data
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Edinburgh College of Art
Abstract
This project aims to experiment with new ways to measure gender differences in everyday mobility using (geographic) digital footprint data, which is collected from people's interactions with mobile phones and other devices. While these data provide detailed information about people's movement, they only rarely have information on their gender. We will develop new methods for disaggregating these data based on gender and explore how travel patterns differ at an unprecedented level of spatio-temporal resolution.
We will work with data sources available from the Urban Big Data Centre at the University of Glasgow, combining detailed movement data with evidence on the relationship between gender and transport. With a focus on active travel, we will look at what differences might be detected in the data based on gender. Our process will allow for a reproducible method to examine these gender differences from new forms of mobility data.
Our project will use Scotland as a case study to develop our methods as there is a rich data landscape available with a wide range of digital footprint data on travel and transport. Additionally, we maintain a close connection with Sustrans, the UK leading charity aimed at favouring active travel, and the Scottish policy context, currently working towards just transitions for the transport sector.
We will carry out our research through working with partners to gain input on how best to develop outputs that can inform policy (WP1). Gathering data on travel choices and other characteristics from existing surveys and research will inform a working model of gender differences in mobility (WP2). Using this knowledge, we will use digital footprint data to map and analyse mobility traces for different genders, applying a level of confidence measure to the patterns found (WP3).
The project's findings will be used to inform transportation policies and sustainability transitions. By understanding how gender differences in mobility patterns impact transportation systems, policymakers can develop more inclusive and effective policies that promote sustainable mobility for all.
We will work with data sources available from the Urban Big Data Centre at the University of Glasgow, combining detailed movement data with evidence on the relationship between gender and transport. With a focus on active travel, we will look at what differences might be detected in the data based on gender. Our process will allow for a reproducible method to examine these gender differences from new forms of mobility data.
Our project will use Scotland as a case study to develop our methods as there is a rich data landscape available with a wide range of digital footprint data on travel and transport. Additionally, we maintain a close connection with Sustrans, the UK leading charity aimed at favouring active travel, and the Scottish policy context, currently working towards just transitions for the transport sector.
We will carry out our research through working with partners to gain input on how best to develop outputs that can inform policy (WP1). Gathering data on travel choices and other characteristics from existing surveys and research will inform a working model of gender differences in mobility (WP2). Using this knowledge, we will use digital footprint data to map and analyse mobility traces for different genders, applying a level of confidence measure to the patterns found (WP3).
The project's findings will be used to inform transportation policies and sustainability transitions. By understanding how gender differences in mobility patterns impact transportation systems, policymakers can develop more inclusive and effective policies that promote sustainable mobility for all.
