Young women’s perceptions of public places : A qualitative and intersectional study about safety in Flemingsberg

Sammanfattning: Women often feel unsafe outdoors, restricting their use of public places. They have still not been prioritized in urban planning. The purpose of this thesis is therefore to study usage and perception of public places by young women in Flemingsberg. The intersectional perspective chosen lifts their voices. "Safety" and “place” are still the primary focus, using Jane Jacob’s theories about safety in the city. Interviews with nine young women and observations of unsafe places in Flemingsberg were conducted. The results show that the women generally feel safe. Their perception of their safety and place-attributes still makes them use public places restrictively, especially at night. Some feel safer in Flemingsberg, some are safer elsewhere. Connections were also found to the intersectionality theory, as the women felt more vulnerable at a younger age. Jane Jacob's implication that it is safer with more people present at a place was also relevant. The most influential attributes which make the women feel safe or unsafe are what number and kind of people are out in the streets, lighting, and familiarity with a place. Specific locations are thereby safer and more used for some of the women, for others unsafe. Improvements suggested show what can make them safer.