How relevant is feminist geography to urban issues?

Abstract

This literature review by Menting Yang examines the relevance of feminist geography to urban issues, exploring its evolution and impact through three stages of development. Emerging in the 1970s, feminist geography highlighted the oversight of women’s roles in geographical research, paving the way for deeper insights into urban dynamics. The 1980s witnessed a shift towards more comprehensive analyses, with an emphasis on the gendered experience of urban space and its intersection with social and economic factors. By the turn of the century, feminist geography faced both growth and criticism, grappling with the complexities of urban inequalities and the need for inclusive methodologies. This review identifies seven main themes within feminist urban studies, ranging from the impact of urban planning on women’s lives to the reconceptualization of urban spaces through a feminist lens. It also examines diverse research methods and ongoing debates within the field, including essentialist perspectives and dichotomous discourses. While acknowledging limitations in geographic representation and global perspectives, the review underscores the enduring significance of feminist geography in reshaping urban narratives and advocating for inclusive urban environments.