Exploring the influence of Internet-related perceptions and e-shopping on spatiotemporal accessibility perceptions: A study of social housing beneficiaries in Luxembourg

Abstract

Perceived accessibility approaches complement objective accessibility indicators, which are beneficial for identifying accessibility-related inequalities. Current perceived accessibility studies lack in considering the space and time dimensions of accessibility, the potential impact of Internet-related perceptions, and vulnerable population groups as the center focus. This paper addresses these gaps by answering the research question: How do Internet perceptions and e-shopping frequency correlate with the perceived potential of people at housing insecurity to overcome space–time accessibility barriers with the help of the Internet? A questionnaire is first disseminated among the beneficiaries of a housing foundation in a vulnerable situation. The questionnaire asked for (i) the perceived potential to overcome space and time accessibility barriers with the help of the Internet; (ii) internet-related perceptions; (iii) actual travel behavior, and (iv) participants’ socio-economic characteristics. The data collected serves as the basis for conducting two ordinal regressions. The results show positive associations between participants’ perceived potential to overcome space and time accessibility barriers thanks to internet and their internet-related perceptions. In particular, for housing beneficiaries travelling longer distances, positive perceptions towards internet might result in a positive perceived potential to overcome both space and time accessibility barriers. From the socio-economic side, young participants are more likely to perceive that they can overcome space and time barriers thanks to the Internet, while highly-educated people only spatial barriers. The paper closes with some concluding remarks and suggests potential policy interventions.