Name
From Restriction to Freedom: How Immigration Shapes Sustainable Mobility Choices Among Iranian Women
Date & Time
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Description
Migration is a transformative experience that reshapes individual mobility patterns, particularly for women whose movement was previously constrained by legal, cultural, or social norms. This study examines how immigration influences the travel behavior of Iranian women in London, Canada, with a focus on their engagement with sustainable mobility practices such as cycling. In Iran, women have faced both formal and informal restrictions on cycling, limiting their access to active transportation. However, immigration presents new opportunities to redefine their mobility choices in a context that encourages sustainability and gender equity. Using Bourdieu’s concept of habitus and the notion of dual identity, this research explores how Iranian women navigate the transition between restrictive past experiences and newfound freedoms in Canada. Through photovoice and semi-structured interviews with 20 Iranian women—10 cyclists and 10 non-cyclists—this study investigates how migration has influenced their transportation decisions, the barriers they continue to face, and the extent to which they embrace cycling as a form of mobility and self-expression. Findings suggest that while immigration offers greater freedom, structural and cultural factors still shape women's transportation choices. This research highlights the role of immigrant communities in advancing sustainable urban mobility and provides insights for policymakers seeking to create more inclusive and accessible transportation systems.
Location Name
Mackenzie (ME) 3165
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
352
Speaker Name
Minoo Assari
Speaker Organization
Western University
Session Name
CS150 Geographies of Migration