Exploring Safety Perceptions Among Women Using Factor and Cluster Analysis: A Case Study of Neighborhood Parks in Jordan

Most of the time, urban planning tends to exclude the specific needs and perceptions of women, resulting in spaces that fail to meet their safety needs. This study explores the impact of physical environment factors on women’s safety perceptions in neighborhood parks in Jordan. While a few studies on this topic have been conducted in Jordan, this research makes a unique contribution by focusing on the interaction between physical design factors and demographic characteristics, examining how these factors influence women’s safety perceptions. Focusing on women’s safety in neighborhood parks, a survey was conducted and involved a sample of 380 women, using a random sampling method. confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to identify underlying relationships between safety-related factors, while cluster analysis was used to group women based on their shared safety perceptions. The results revealed statistically significant differences and identified five distinct clusters, demonstrating varied perceptions of safety among women. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring park designs to meet women’s specific safety needs, recognizing the diversity of priorities across demographic groups. The findings offer actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, guiding the development of safer public spaces that respond to the varied needs of women.