Gender differences in mobility: Exploring the non-linear relationship in multiple contexts using decision tree algorithms

As the promotion of gender equality has become the consensus of humanity, gender differences in mobility and its influential factors have been widely discussed. Existing studies have revealed significant gender difference in key mobility indicators. However, most discussions have been limited to single or limited contexts or scenarios and mainly focused on the linear relationships of variables. In addition, most studies were carried out in large cities in the Global North, leaving a research gap in developing countries and rural areas. Particularly, investigations that highlight the heterogeneity within female populations, especially marginalized subgroups, remain scarce. To address these gaps, this study focuses on gender differences in mobility and their influencing factors across diverse contexts and scenarios. Using disaggregated spatiotemporal activity data collected in Guangzhou from 2023 to 2024, we employ statistical analysis and decision tree algorithms to identify key indicators of gendered mobility and explore the non-linear effects of the influential factors. The findings reveal significant gender differences in key mobility indicators. In general, women exhibited more frequent trips, smaller travel ranges, and fixed activity locations than men. The introduction of diverse contexts and multiple scenarios is able to identify more details. In addition, the results confirm nonlinear effects of factors including household division of labor, mobility-related fears, access to mobility tools and personal socioeconomic status. The effects differ between men and women. More importantly, the significance and influence of these factors vary across scenarios. Internal heterogeneity within the female population is further identified, with marginalized subgroup facing greater mobility constraints, including low-income, low-education, suburban, and urban village women residents. The analytical framework of multiple contexts and the methodological approach have also been proven both effective and efficient, offering valuable insights for relevant studies. Grounded in feminist geography and spatiotemporal behavior studies, this research advances the understanding of gendered mobility differences in the complex urban-rural setting in developing countries. Its findings also provide policy implications for reducing gender disparity in mobility and fostering a more equitable and inclusive social environment.