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
By Lauren Kennedy,
London Metropolitan University.
This study examined whether exposure to manosphere, neutral or feminist media content influenced bystander efficacy, intervention intentions and rape myth acceptance. Sixty participants were allocated to one of three conditions (n = 20 per group) and completed self-report measures assessing general bystander confidence (Bystander Efficacy Scale; BES), likelihood of intervening in a risky vignette scenario (VIG), and rape myth acceptance (Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale; IRMA). One-way between-subjects analyses were conducted to examine differences between conditions across the three outcome variables. Significant effects of condition were found for all outcome variables. For bystander efficacy, participants in the manosphere condition reported higher confidence to intervene than those in the neutral and feminist conditions. For intervention intentions, participants in the feminist condition reported significantly greater willingness to intervene than those in the manosphere condition. For rape myth acceptance, participants in the manosphere condition reported the highest endorsement, followed by the neutral condition, while the feminist condition reported the lowest, with significant differences between all three conditions. Overall, feminist exposure was associated with the most prosocial pattern of responses, characterised by lower rape myth acceptance and higher intervention intentions, whereas manosphere exposure was associated with more harmful attitudes and lower scenario-based willingness to help. Findings suggest that brief ideological media exposure may shape beliefs and intended behaviours relating to sexual violence. The study highlights the potential risks of online misogynistic content and the value of counter-narratives promoting gender equality and bystander action.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22128913
By Lara Thomas,
London Metropolitan University.
Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose (APSP) is a form of police corruption involving the misuse of police authority to pursue inappropriate sexual or emotional relationships with members of the public. This study explores public perceptions of APSP within policing, with particular focus on sources of awareness, perceived causes, the impact of this misconduct on public trust and confidence, and views on accountability and reform. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 6 adults comprising of 3 females and 3 male participants who reside in the United Kingdom. The data was then analysed thematically to identify the key patterns in how APSP is understood and interpreted.
The findings suggest that awareness and knowledge of APSP were shaped mainly by media coverage, high-profile cases and wider public discussion. APSP was viewed as a serious breach of trust, particularly because police officers are expected to serve and protect the public. Underreporting of APSP also emerged as a key concern, with participants suggesting that cases may remain hidden, allowing offending officers to continue their behaviour and leaving victims unsupported. Participants emphasised the need for stronger accountability, greater transparency and significant reform within the police service. This study concludes that APSP significantly undermines public trust and police legitimacy, not only because of the misconduct itself, but also because of wider concerns around institutional culture, accountability and transparency.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21932880