Dignity in transportation: a scoping review and theoretical framework

The idea of a dignified life is an important yet barely explored concept that lies beneath the surface of human rights perspectives on transportation. This scoping review examines how the notion of dignity has been defined, articulated, or applied within transportation studies. We searched three academic databases for English-language studies that explicitly addressed transportation, mobility, access to transportation, or accessibility in ways that uphold or diminish dignity. We extracted information on how transportation and dignity were addressed, assessing whether dignity was operationalized, and the target population, study design, objectives, and key findings related to how transport experiences can promote or compromise human dignity. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were grouped into five non-exclusive thematic groups: Access to Transportation, Accessibility to Opportunities, Humane Treatment, Social Inclusion, Belonging and Participation, and Initiatives and Tools to Improve Mobility. More than half (60%) of the studies did not operationalize the concept of dignity; when defined, it was most often framed as inherent human dignity (self-worth intrinsic to all individuals), with other cases incorporating social dignity and concepts of autonomy or well-being. Most studies focused on people living with disabilities (33%) and older adults (30%). Based on these findings, we propose a theoretical framework outlining dimensions and actions to guide a dignitarian approach to transportation, aiming to support policies and interventions that promote human dignity through dignitarian mobility experiences.