Gender differences in commuting distance, residence, and employment location: Metropolitan Haifa 1972 and 1983

This paper highlights three major aspects of gender differences in employment in Haifa, Israel (1972 and 1983): Commuting distance, place of residence, and employment location. In 1972 working women's residences were more central-city-oriented, whereas in 1983 they were more suburbanized. Commuting distances increased between 1972 and 1983 for both sexes, but more for men than for women. This shorter "female" distance is related to the location of employment and its occupational segregation. The lower commuting values in Haifa compared to other places relate to the size, housing patterns, and structure of the study area, and to its levels of suburbanization and automobile ownership.