| Title |
A Study on the Socio-Spatial Status of Women in Residential Layouts |
| Keywords |
Residence ; Feminism ; Spatial Structure ; Space Syntax |
| Abstract |
This study intends to understand the socio-spatial status of women in residential layouts. For the purpose, analyzed are mansions in Europe, some house types in the US, and traditional noble houses and contemporary apartments in Korea. Whereas the European mansions before the 16th century consist of open plan without any spatial segregation, there appear since then strict spatial division and specialization according to gender and functions. Some houses of the 19-20th centuries in the US still contain the segregation between male and female spaces. The syntactic analysis on the traditional noble houses in the Chosun Dynasty suggests a shift of power structure between spaces designated for male and female members within a family. Analysis on today's apartments shows similar result as well. It is therefore suggested although limited that women's spaces have tended to occupy more integrated location in each particular residential type, regardless of regional and cultural differences. Consideration on functional aspect of domestic life must have played a significant role behind these changes. |