Williams, Donna and Eva Siekierska. 1998. "Perception of the Neighbourhood: Gender Differences in the Mental Mapping of Urban and Suburban Communities. A Summary". in Proceedings of the Joint Seminar on Maps for Special Users, Eds. Jacqueline M. Anderson, Ewa Krzywicka-Blum. Wydawnictwo Akademii Rolniczej de Wroclawiu, Wroclaw, Poland. 23-32.

Abstract. This paper explores gender differences in the perception of neighbourhood. Its approach stems from the feminist contention that gender is an essential parameter in human/environment relations, and from the lack of consideration generally given to gender in neighbourhood studies within perception geography. Four issues were examined: Do gender roles affect perception? How do men's and women's differing roles in the home and neighbourhood affect their perception of these areas? Do women working in the public sphere and those working full-time in the home have different perceptions of neighbourhood? And, Do people from different areas of the city exhibit the same gender-based differences in perception of neighbourhood? A mental mapping methodology, written questionnaire and interview were used to determine if gender differences exist in an urban and suburban community in the Ottawa region. Approximately equal numbers of males and females were approached. The results showed that not only do gender differences exist, but that the different gender roles still played by men and women, despite movement toward equality, clearly influence each gender's perception of neighbourhood. The women interviewed primarily saw the neighbourhood as a place of work, while the men saw it as a place of rest, relaxation and refuge. Women also tended to define their neighbourhood in terms of where they carried out their work or activity, while men saw it more in terms of formal territory, i.e. as defined by city maps. Women who worked both inside and outside the home perceived their neighbourhood differently than those who worked exclusively at home as mothers and/or homemakers. The latter group saw their neighbourhood as having greater boundaries since they had fewer time constraints than women with dual roles and frequently traveled farther to accomplish work and activities. When urban and suburban neighbourhoods were compared, urban dwellers appeared to have less clearly defined gender roles than suburbanites. The study concluded that although men and women share an environment they interact with it differently: gender is clearly an essential parameter in human/environment relations. Theory and applications that are sensitive to gender differences and interactions and that expand traditional planning model need to be further developed. A number of recommendations are made.

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