Gendered urban spaces: Unveiling gender segregation through time, space, and behavior - A case study of Zhuhai, China

The differing activities of men and women shape the gendered characteristics of urban environments, leading to segregation that reveals spatial inequalities. Recent studies on gendered activity patterns often rely on statistical or residential data and lack a spatiotemporal perspective. To address these gaps, this study analyzes gender segregation in Zhuhai, China by integrating spatial, temporal, and behavioral dimensions. First, gender composition is assessed at the parcel level using the relative proportion method. Next, weekday-weekend variations and regional disparities are examined through geographical regionalization. A genetic algorithm is employed to analyze residents' travel networks, revealing gender-specific mobility patterns. The results highlight significant spatial differentiation in gender structure, with a center-periphery segregation pattern that mobility further accentuates. Gender composition in transitional zones and specific land-use areas evolves over time, influenced by the social division of labor and employment preferences. This study offers a dynamic model of urban gender segregation, providing new insights into gender inequality through the integration of time, space, and behavior. The findings inform urban planning and sustainable development strategies aimed at fostering gender-equitable cities, deepening the understanding of spatial power imbalances from a gender perspective, and contributing to the discourse on gender issues within the framework of spatial justice theory.