ABSTRACT
Socially critical theories such as feminist theory, theories focusing on race and ethnicity, (post)-colonial theory, ideas of modernity, and interstitial approaches have helped uncover and define systemic discriminatory practices in many fields. Applying such theories more rigorously to built-environment research and practice is a first step in challenging systemic discrimination in design and planning. Problems resulting from discriminatory practices exist at several scales, from economic and environmental challenges ensuing through globalization to more local examples where gender, race, or ethnicity restrict access and equity at the building or urban scale. This chapter outlines several theoretical tools that are applied more broadly in the second section of the book.
The chapter begins by examining space as a social construct, analyzing how hierarchical systems have marginalized certain populations while elevating others into a normative “mainstream.” The chapter presents several approaches that offer alternative spatial and social theorizations and examines how they have been applied in both research and design practice. The chapter concludes with a section on spatial agency and how inclusive theory can lead to more equity for all stakeholders.
