Urbanism of proximity: gender-expertise or shortsighted strategy? Re-introducing Gender Impact Assessments in spatial planning

Abstract

The theorizing of gender, diversity and spatial planning began over three decades ago, both within and from outside the planning profession. It has evaluated from representing ‘specific –gender/role connected- interests’ to analysing the dynamics of inequality and difference. It is important to distinguish between approaches based on the concept of “women friendly” planning, which aims at the improvement of the every day life of women without trying to change “traditionally gendered” roles, and concepts that challenge the embodied gendered roles.