Understanding the Gender Gap in the Acceptance of Automated Vehicles:International Mobility Study Across 17 Countries

Abstract

The common assumption is that men are more likely to accept automated vehicles (AVs) than women. However, studies have produced mixed results regarding this gender gap. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the gender gap in the intention to use AVs might vary between countries. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the gender gap in willingness to use AVs and how this gap might differ across various countries. To accomplish this, survey data from 18,631 respondents across 17 countries: Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the US, was analyzed. In this research, the gender gap in willingness to use AVs is defined as the difference in willingness to use AVs between men and women. The results indicate that gender differences in willingness to use AVs are not universal; some countries show opposing trends between men and women, while in others, the gender difference is not statistically significant. This study contributes to existing literature by examining the influence of gender and country on the willingness to use AVs. The findings have the potential to significantly impact policy development and transport planning by promoting gender inclusivity in future transport solutions, ensuring that all potential users can benefit from adopting AVs.