Visibility matters

Constructing safe passages on the streets of Kolkata

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12066463
AutoresSanghamitra Roy (0000-0002-5697-3149, Utrecht University, autor correspondente), Selim Jahangir (0000-0002-6290-9207, Manipal Academy of Higher Education), Ajay Bailey (0000-0003-3163-6805, Utrecht University), F Van Noorloos (0000-0002-6313-1978, Utrecht University)
Ano2022
Volume46
Fascículo7
Páginas1265-1286
Data de publicação2022-10-12
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Urban Affairs (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0735-2166 • E-ISSN: 1467-9906
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07352166.2022.2105224
OpenAlexW4304698280
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências citadas77

Perceptions of safety influence women’s access to public spaces. This study aims to understand how visibility, vigilance, and surveillance influence “eyes on the street,” perceptions of safety, and construct (un)safe passages for women on the streets of Kolkata. The study is based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and visual surveys. This study finds that permeable street edges enhance visibility and visual engagements with the observant; whereas impermeable street edges, poorly lit streets, empty streets, and up-market areas instill fear because of low visibility and the presence of fewer people. Women perceive routine activities and vigilance by the shopkeepers, hawkers, and passersby as safe as they can call out for help if needed. Surveillance by the neighborhood people too extends a feeling of safety whereas disciplinary visibility makes streets less accessible. An integrated approach to visibility, vigilance and surveillance can aid in the formulation of comprehensive gender-sensitive urban development guidelines for cities

Advertising · Business · Cognitive psychology · Feeling · Focus group · Geography · Perception · Vigilance (psychology · Visibility · Homelessness and Social Issues · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Planning and Governance · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Marketing