Abstract: Gender disparities in urban space pose critical challenges to equal urban development, yet spatial planning has historically overlooked gender-specific needs due to insufficient micro-level data and localized analyses. This study addresses this gap by investigating how gender differences manifest in urban spatial patterns through a micro-scale case study of Taipingqiao Area in Beijing’s Fengtai District. Focusing on tobacco/alcohol retail (male-dominated) and beauty-related businesses (female-dominated) as proxies for gendered consumption behaviors, we use space syntax model and statistical analysis to analyze their spatial distribution patterns and other socio-economic factors.
Our findings reveal distinct contrasts between these two type of consumption spaces: tobacco/alcohol businesses show a "scattered-mixed" distribution sorted by accessibility, while beauty services cluster in "specialized enclaves" influenced by housing prices and rents. Low-income males could easily access affordable tobacco/alcohol options, whereas low-income females have limited availability of beauty services, exposing socio-economic stratification. Gender-specific spatial behaviors further explain these patterns: females prioritize safety and openness, favoring space with high-visibility, while males prioritize proximity, favoring multiple choices in vicinity regardless of environmental quality. Regression analyses demonstrate that beauty service distribution correlates strongly with neighborhood affluence (R=0.480), while tobacco/alcohol outlets depend on street-level accessibility metrics (R=0.703).
This research contributes to feminist urban theory by empirically linking micro-scale consumption patterns to gendered spatial inequities. Practically, it advocates for gender-responsive urban design—prioritizing safety in female-frequented zones and equal access for marginalized groups. Future studies should expand to diverse urban contexts and incorporate intersectional factors like age and income.
Keywords: space syntax; gender disparity; urban consumption; spatial equity; behavioral geograph