Caregiving in the city: An intersectional study of mothers' perceptions of public space in Amman, Jordan

Women, particularly mothers and caregivers, remain underrepresented in urban design and planning processes, resulting in public spaces that often lack inclusivity and fail to address their needs. Grounded in intersectionality theory, this research investigates how the physical factors of public spaces shape mothers' perceptions of care in Amman, Jordan, and how these perceptions vary across intersecting social identities. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design first engaged 27 mothers in interviews and a focus group to surface embodied experiences, and then informed a survey of 499 caregivers. The survey assessed the impact of safety, accessibility, amenities, and sociodemographic variables on perceived care in urban environments. Qualitative findings indicate that mothers' perceptions of care in public spaces are shaped by a complex interplay of social identities and the physical environment while accompanying their children. Quantitatively, income, mobility mode, child age, and navigation challenges were identified as significant factors shaping perceptions of care in public spaces. Integrating mothers' narratives and quantitative results into causal loop diagrams (CLDs) reveals three reinforcing feedback loops—amenity deficits, accessibility gaps, and safety concerns—that perpetuate caregivers' exclusion from public spaces. This study advocates for a policy-first, care-centered planning paradigm that embeds intersectional, care- and gender-responsive design into planning processes rather than treating physical design enhancements as stand-alone interventions. By centering mothers' lived experiences, the study contributes to more inclusive and socially just urban planning practices in Amman and comparable contexts.