Bias Check

Three non-obvious groups to broaden perspective

Following the toolkit naming conventions, this file is named exp-01.b-diverge-people-2025-02-19

Bias Check Additions

To counteract convenience bias (only focusing on obvious commuting women in NYC), we deliberately added three non-obvious groups:

  1. International students on urban campuses
    • Quick Profile: Often commute on foot late at night after study groups; culturally less likely to report safety fears.
    • Why Added: Visibility is lower; needs may differ due to cultural norms.
    • Access: Campus cultural clubs, international student office.
  2. Elderly women commuting to part-time jobs
    • Quick Profile: Commute early/late on limited incomes; may use bus or subway.
    • Why Added: Overlooked due to age; different safety perceptions and physical vulnerabilities.
    • Access: Senior centers, church groups, job placement programs.
  3. Immigrant women working late service shifts
    • Quick Profile: Women employed in restaurants, cleaning, or retail who often walk or use transit home after midnight. Language barriers and documentation status can compound vulnerability.
    • Why Added: Frequently invisible to mainstream “professional women” framing; experience late-night exposure and systemic neglect.
    • Access: Worker advocacy orgs, ESL classes, churches, and immigrant community associations.

Reflection:
These adds diversify our exploration, forcing us to see beyond the default category of “professional young women.” They highlight cultural, generational, and identity-driven differences that mainstream safety products rarely account for.