Are Rural Women Mobility Deprived? - A Case Study from Scotland

Abstract

Women are often considered mobility deprived, which has an impact on their quality of life. Based on empirical research in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, this article examines rural women's mobility opportunities, their travel behaviour and the access they have to important activities. Their respective experiences are explored using in-depth interviews. The case studies reveal remarkable progress in terms of women's access to transport resources. However, even though women's mobility opportunities are improving, many rural women are not in a situation where they can widen their activity spaces. Lack of time is a major obstacle preventing many women from participating in social and economic activities. Women's travel patterns and their participation in activities evidently derive from gender roles that remain traditional. The allocation of domestic and caring responsibilities to women entails meeting specific needs and wants. These should be taken into account in future rural policy.