Terms

In geography, scales are important when analyzing issues that affect the environment, whether its the human environment, natural environment, or the built environment, you name it! From largest to smallest, the size of scale consist of global, international, national, regional, local, household, and body. In relation to gender and geography, the scale of the body is most important since it is analyzed the most. The body is associated with identity and subjectivity and depending where the body is placed, for example at home, at work, or in school, social practices vary in space because it is socially constructed (McDowell). The absence of acknowledgment in equity amongst gender, in particular females, has created gender disparity. As of a result, women, depending on location, experience issues such as discrimination, a low status or quality of life, body politics, and accessibility to resources.

Space

A three dimensional container in which human activities take place in (Donovan).

Place

An elaboration on location that has meaning attributed to it (Donovan).

Identity

An individual's perception of him or herself (Donovan).

Subjectivity

An elaboration on the idea of identity. Subjectivity acknowledges how others perceive an individual and how it affects the individual (Donovan).

Discrimination

The unequal treatment of women based on gender prejudices.

Status and Quality of Life

The absence of equality amongst women due to political and cultural issues which affect their quality of life depending on places in the world.

Body Politics

The ways in which bodily styles, gestures, and presentation are constructed and enforced as well as one's right to control his or her body (McDowell).

Resources and Access

The accessibility for women to acquire resources to maintain a basic standard of living or pursue a higher standard of living.