Safe Ride? Analysis of Female Consumer Behavior in the Context of Brazilian Ride-hailing

Published: 2026-04-28

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This study examines female consumption behavior in relation to ride-hailing services in Brazil, employing mixed methods to achieve a nationally representative sample. Findings emphasize the utilitarian and technological drivers of service use, which prevail over social and environmental considerations. Key factors such as physical violence, psychological violence, and self-preservation were found to be interdependent, leading to the development of an explanatory model of female consumption. While men and women share some foundational motivations for ride-hailing adoption, differences in the nature and timing of use generate distinct perceptions, shaping more flexible behavior among women. Environmental and social concerns remain secondary in decision-making; however, asymmetries related to violence and self-preservation become more pronounced during off-peak travel periods. Importantly, female consumption behavior is not static but varies according to contextual influences. These insights hold significant implications for future research and for organizations providing ride-hailing services, underscoring the necessity of adapting to the evolving needs of female users. This study establishes a benchmark in the analysis of female consumption behavior, challenging the notion of fixed determinants and highlighting the critical role of context and time of day in shaping decisions.

Fábio Luciano Violin, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP, Rosana, Brazil

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Unigran; PhD and Postdoctoral degree in Environment and Regional Development, Universidade Anhanguera. Professor and Vice-Director at FEC Rosana.

Luis Borges Gouveia, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Oporto, Portugal

PhD in Computer Science from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom. Full Professor at Fernando Pessoa University.

Mariciana Zorzi, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Maldonado, Uruguay

Professor at the Universidad de la República (Udelar). Master’s degree from the Universidad Federal de Pelotas. Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Centro Universitario Regional Este, Universidad de la República (Udelar).

Hugo Ferreira Arizaga, Universidad de la República (Udelar), Maldonado, Uruguay

Assistant Professor of Tourism Law, Faculty of Law, Cenur Litoral Norte, Salto Campus, Universidad de la República (Udelar). Doctor of Law and Social Sciences, Universidad de la República (Udelar).

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