A qualitative study aiming to explore the impact of gender on individuals' perception of risk when engaging in the night-time economy in Liverpool.

Abstract

Background: The night-time economy has become an area of public health concern, due to stress and anxieties relating to the potential ‘risks’ individuals may encounter. These anxieties are not experienced equally, as gender significantly influences perceptions of risk in these public spaces, with women disproportionately more fearful than men. Despite great concern about safety and violence in the night- time economy, there has been little discussion of how young men and women feel about their safety on a night out, or how they acquire a sense of safety in a supposedly 'risky' social setting.

Methods: A qualitative research design method was used to investigate this concept, via semi-structured focus groups. Using a purposive sampling technique, a sample of 16 participants, 8 men and 8 women, was collected. The focus group discussions were then transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, to highlight key themes and patterns.

Results: Findings show that women are more fearful in the night-time economy than men, with safety concerns overwhelmingly relating to men and the possibility of sexual assault, while men felt more at risk of physical assault and personal theft. Nonetheless, epidemiological data on actual risks, highlight often perceived risks felt by both male and females in the night-time economy, do not always reflect reality.

Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights that men and women experience fear of the night-time economy very differently, with both genders facing their own perceived risks. There was a significant gap in knowledge regarding existing risk minimisation strategies in this sector. Future research and public health action need to focus on raising awareness and improving social marketing techniques of existing risk minimisation measures to improve public wellbeing. Furthermore, promoting gender equality by adapting traditional gendered social and cultural norms will help facilitate a more culturally accepting society.