Exploring leisure constraints and participation among urban women through the lens of ambivalent sexism theory

Through the lens of ambivalent sexism theory, this study explores the relationship between leisure constraints, gender bias, and leisure participation among urban women. We confirmed a pronounced negative correlation between leisure constraints and participation. Our findings further validate the pronounced influence of intrapersonal and structural constraints on participation, underscoring the importance of developing safe and private leisure venues tailored for women. A key insight from our research is the moderating effect of gender bias, notably hostile sexism, on the relationship between leisure constraints and participation. This highlights the pressing need to challenge and counteract male-centric ideologies. Our study suggests that policymakers and urban planners should prioritise the creation of women-friendly leisure spaces that are both safe and accessible. Public awareness campaigns may also be beneficial in challenging prevailing sexist ideologies that contribute to leisure constraints for women. Collectively, our findings not only contribute to the theoretical discourse in leisure studies but also provide pragmatic insights to champion gender equity in leisure participation.