Gender in Spatial Development – Perspectives, Similarities and Differences

The discourse on sustainability is based on two normative elements: the concept of justice (intra- as well as intergenerational) and the concept of integration. It presupposes as non-controversial that justice between genders, especially the equality of paid and unpaid labour, is a prerequisite for sustainable development. This includes symmetrical relations in terms of the variety of options for the realization of life plans. Since 1997, this element of sustainability discourse is backed by the Treaty of Amsterdam which requests that the “… community shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women” (Article 3). The strategy of gender mainstreaming which is based on this article has meanwhile been introduced in all member states of the European Union. However, in the professional world of spatial development and research the contents have not yet become a natural and integrative part of practice and reflection.

These key concepts and observations led to the guiding question of the International Working Group (IWG) activities: „ How does the recognition of gender relevance affect organisation and structure of spatial planning as well as use and design, taking into account different European cultures?” Following this question, the IWG presented a theoretically based research framework. This framework proceeds in three steps, which reflect the different levels and degrees of implementing «Gender in spatial development» from transfer to integration and finally to implementation:

• Why and how a gendered project / process can be started at all? (transfer)
• How and when, under which conditions gendered projects can be anchored in given structures? (integration)
• What kind of structures allow gender-oriented projects and processes to become a permanent integral part of spatial development? (implementation)

This framework was the starting point for gender-sensitive investigations of planning systems and cultures in the represented European countries. An overview of the different frameworks formed the basis for comparing legal, organisational and cultural similarities and differences in the countries represented in the IWG.