Vaiou, C; (1990) Gender relations in urban development: An alternative framework of analysis in Athens, Greece. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The thesis aims to contribute to research efforts to link geographical development with gender divisions in society. Its main aim is to study how gender inequality is inscribed in the process of urban development; and how in turn that process may be involved in constructing gender hierarchies as it shapes a context of everyday life. In order to think on these questions and on the particularities of a historically and geographically specific context, recent development of Athens is examined. The analysis proceeds from broad processes and patterns of urban development to a detailed study of a particular area, based on its history of urban growth, on a survey of women residents and on detailed interviews. In the light of theoretical and empirical elaboration, the thesis argues that not all aspects of urban development can be thoroughly analysed and explained through the study of gender relations; and, conversely, not every aspect of gender relations can be thoroughly understood through the study of urban development. The effort therefore is to clarify the conceptual and analytical links between processes of urban development and gender relations formed and re-defined therein. To this end, the analysis builds around two interrelated themes: "workplaces", or the workings of the urban labour market, and "homes", or conditions of reproduction. These themes, it is argued, constitute the material basis of gender relations and the conflicting realities of women's experiences. At the same time they illuminate important aspects of urban development, by shifting the emphasis on processes that shape quite diverse working and living environments and pattern the use of space and time in ways that affect differently people of different gender, class, culture. They can therefore form the basis of a framework of understanding where gender relations are part of the analysis and explanation of urban development.

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