Near or far? Discourses and subjectivity in the relationships between the place of residence and mobility

The relationship between urban form and transport has been an important research topic in recent decades. However, the relationship between preferences of location and typology of residence and transportation modes has not been sufficiently studied in Latin America, despite being a determining factor of urban expansion patterns. In the present work, we investigate this relationship in the city of Cuenca (Ecuador) using the Q Methodology, a set of quantitative-qualitative techniques for the systematic analysis of subjectivity. We detected three predominant discourses characterising different perspectives: a) oriented to active mobility, b) oriented to public transport, and c) oriented to exclusivity and self-segregation. We expect that the present and further studies will contribute and inform public policies which address the diversity of perspectives of the population and enhance proximity relationships.

Automated summary

The relationship between location preferences, residence typology and transportation modes in Latin America has not been sufficiently studied. This research uses Q Methodology to analyze this relationship in Cuenca, Ecuador. Three predominant perspectives were identified: active mobility, public transport, and exclusivity and self-segregation. The findings can contribute to public policies that address the diversity of perspectives and improve proximity relationships.