Stuck in the driver's seat
From Transport Knowledge Wiki
 Journal article record
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| Title
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Stuck in the driver's seat: a conceptualisation for understanding car dependence and its determinants
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| Journal
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 Transport Reviews vol. 44 no. 6
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| Abstract
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Car dependence brings along many negative social and environmental externalities that policymakers and stakeholders need to consider. Nonetheless, the concept is not well defined and lacks a clear framework regarding its determinants and mechanisms, which also leads to problems in terms of its operationalisation. Therefore, this paper proposes a conceptualisation and operationalisation of car dependence, which can serve as a basis for further research and policy. We define car dependence as the extent to which an individual is incapable to participate in locationbased activities without a car in a satisfactory way. This definition is based on the theoretical background of the capabilities approach and the concept of motility and also linked to the concept of accessibility. Our conceptual model consists of seven components, most of which have been considered separately in previous conceptualisations, namely the land use system, transport system, natural environment, temporal component, social environment, and individual objective/subjective characteristics. These components range from being external to the individual (e.g. the land use system) to internal (e.g. individual features). Considering these components jointly emphasises the importance of looking at car dependence in a holistic, unifying way. This approach contributes to a better understanding of car dependence that goes beyond the explicit analysis of components in previous research. In addition, we provide a systematic approach to operationalising car dependence that contributes to a more comparable approach to measuring car dependence. Researchers have to decide whether they want to examine car dependence via its components or via self-report by individuals, whether they want to study the full set of components or only a subset, and whether they want to consider perceptions or factual information about external components. Therefore, our conceptualisation and operationalisation provide valuable new insights into car dependence regarding new research directions and policy approaches.
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| Authors
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 Matthias Cremer-Schulte Bert van Wee Eva Heinen
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| Date
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 November 2024
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| Keywords and locations
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| Keywords
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 Car dependency
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| Locations
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 United Kingdom
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| How to find and cite this journal article
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| Publication
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 10.1080/01441647.2024.2430007
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| Access
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This journal article is open access and can be read for free as of 20 February 2025.
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| Citation
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Matthias Cremer-Schulte, Bert van Wee & Eva Heinen (25 Nov 2024): Stuck in the driver’s seat: a conceptualisation for understanding car dependence and its determinants, Transport Reviews
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