Exploring the effects of sex category, gender roles, and gender stereotypes on one's own, women's and men's driving behaviour in Türkiye and France

Abstract

Sex category and gender-related constructs have been associated with driving-related outcomes and behavioural differences. This study investigated three research objectives: (1) the differences in the perceived frequency of driving behaviours between sex categories and countries; (2) the differences in the gender stereotypes while driving between sex categories and countries; and (3) the mediating role of awareness and endorsement of gender stereotypes in the relationship between gender roles and the perceived frequency of driving behaviours in Türkiye and France. Data were collected from 901 participants (486 from Türkiye and 415 from France). Results revealed significant cross-country differences, with participants from Türkiye generally being more aware and endorsing stereotypes, whereas participants from France associated this to a lesser degree. In both countries, a higher degree of femininity was associated with higher awareness of stereotypes concerning women drivers. This association was subsequently linked to a greater endorsement of gender stereotypes for women drivers and to more favourable perceptions of women's driving behaviour (i.e., higher positive behaviours and lower aberrant behaviours). These findings highlight the association of both individual and country differences on driving perceptions, suggesting that stereotype-driven biases in driving behaviour perceptions may contribute to gender-based inequalities in road safety.