What Are the Gendered Differences in University Students’ Perceptions of Nighttime Safety in Lincoln?
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By Millie Bambridge,
University of Lincoln.
Perceptions of safety at night remains a contested social issue, particularly when examined through a gendered lens. This dissertation explores gendered differences in University of Lincoln students’ perceptions of safety at night, focusing on how these can be shaped and improved. An interpretivist approach was used and qualitative data was collected through focus groups.
The findings demonstrate that perceptions of nighttime safety are shaped by environmental factors such as lighting, familiarity and social presence, alongside gendered experiences and expectations. Female participants reported heightened feelings of vulnerability and described safety strategies including modifying routes, travelling home in groups and altering clothing choices. In contrast, male participants were more likely to downplay fear and undertake protective roles.
The study also identified limited awareness surrounding local safety initiatives that are currently in place. Suggesting that the effectiveness of such measures is limited not only by their implementation but by how they are perceived and understood.
Overall, the findings support the argument that perceptions of safety are socially constructed and embedded in wider power structures and supports existing literature. Further demonstrating how certain dynamics operate in student contexts, addressing the need for both structural and cultural approaches to improving nighttime safety.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22536937