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Gender differences in commuting distance: A temporal analysis of changes and (Un)explained gaps

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  • Lång, Elisabeth
  • Börjesson, Maria

Abstract

We examine the gender gap in commuting distance over time. We show that the gender gap in commuting distance has decreased less than the wage earnings gap. This holds true also for singles without children, where an uneven division of household duties should not be a factor. In 1998, the lion's share of the gender gap in commuting distance, conditional on effective job density, could be attributed to job specialization and women's higher marginal cost of commuting due to their higher share of unpaid work. However, by 2017, the influence of these factors has diminished, resulting in a growing “unexplained” gender gap in commuting distance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lång, Elisabeth & Börjesson, Maria, 2025. "Gender differences in commuting distance: A temporal analysis of changes and (Un)explained gaps," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:retrec:v:112:y:2025:i:c:s0739885925000800
    DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101597
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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