Abstract

Most studies in western cities indicate gender differences in public spaces, with females often limited by concerns about potential threats, especially in highly dynamic urban spaces (e.g., flea markets and informal spaces). In Chinese cities, the gender studies on dynamic spaces and markets are often related to the economic and social contexts, ignoring the heterogeneous uses of space and spatiotemporal behaviours.

Using Spatial-Temporal Behavior Mapping (STBM) and field observation in the Panjiayuan flea market of the centre of Beijing, this study investigates gender spatiotemporal patterns of vending and walking behaviours. Four different locations in the market were monitored at four different times of a day, and the behaviours of different age groups and genders were recorded and analysed.

Our results show that, contrary to urban street vendors and pedestrians, the Panjiayuan market is predominantly frequented by male. There are significant gender differences in vending and walking behaviours across spatial environments, time periods and age groups. The proportion of females was higher in open spaces or more dynamic spaces with the high pedestrian flow than in narrow, dark, and relatively low pedestrian flow spaces. The gender ratios of vendors sold the same types of goods differed across spatial settings. Male vendors peaked earlier than female vendors, and gender differences were more obvious on weekends than on weekdays. Additionally, the social distance of children differed by gender, with girls were closer to their guardians than boys. Through field observation, we found that the type of goods sold, spatial characteristics (e.g. space type, lighting, shadows, and resting facilities), physical activity (e.g. goods moving), and social factors (e.g. family role limits and gender stereotypes) contribute to the gender differences of walking behaviour in flea markets. We realised that subjective factors like women's sense of security and lower levels of physical activity, along with social factors such as the gender segregation still exists in China's society division of labour, further influence gender differences of vending and walking behaviours in the Panjiayuan flea market. Therefore, we summarised subtle relationships between gender spatiotemporal behavior patterns and three factors of spatial characteristics, physical activities and social division of labour in the Chinese context.

This study suggests that when creating a more equitable and inclusive society, we should consider the diverse needs of different gender groups in a spatial and temporal dimension at the specific context. The empirical evidence provides gender spatiotemporal data, supporting the inclusive design of dynamic spaces for improving spatial justice and healthy behaviour.