Author: Shyamsundar Sau
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020400045
Abstract: Urban spaces are often perceived as neutral arenas of development, opportunity, and modernity. However, a closer geographical and sociological examination reveals that cities are deeply structured by gendered power relations that shape how individuals access, use, and experience space. In the context of urban India, spatial inequalities manifest through disparities in mobility, safety, employment opportunities, and access to public and private spaces. This research article critically explores the concept of gendered spaces, tracing how historical, cultural, economic, and institutional factors contribute to unequal spatial experiences for men and women. It examines the intersections of gender with class, caste, and urban form, highlighting how marginalized groups face compounded exclusions. The study further analyzes everyday practices, urban planning frameworks, and policy interventions to understand how cities can be made more inclusive and equitable. By adopting a geographical lens, the article emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive urban planning and participatory governance to transform Indian cities into spaces of equality and empowerment.
Keywords: Gendered Spaces, Spatial Inequality, Urban India, Intersectionality, Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning.
Page No: 341-347