Social representations of driving: An intercultural comparative study between Algerian and French drivers

This study aims to explore the social representations of driving among Algerian and French drivers, through a comparative and intercultural approach. Grounded in the theory of social representations (Moscovici, 1961; Abric, 1994) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (1980), the research analyzes the influence of collectivism and individualism on the structuring of perceptions related to driving. The study is based on a characterization questionnaire administered to two samples of drivers, and the data were analyzed using factor analyses and the central core method. Two hypotheses were tested: (H1) in Algeria, representations focus on practical aspects such as cost and the necessity of the vehicle; (H2) in France, they emphasize individual freedom and autonomy. The results confirm significant differences: Algerians give priority to economic and safety dimensions, while the French value commitment and functionality. These findings, illuminated by the theories of Bandura (1977) and Gaymard (2014), highlight the impact of cultural context on driving behaviors. These elements open perspectives for road safety policies tailored to the psychosocial and cultural specificities of each country.