Publication Type

Book Review

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

7-2008

Abstract

Amanda Flather’s research on gender and space offers a new and exciting perspective on social relations in the early modern period, despite a somewhat weak introduction. Drawing on sociological and anthropological theory, Flather argues that understanding the interaction between the historic spatial environment and the social construction of identity illuminates our understanding of gender and agency. Influenced by Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu, Flather explores the claim that space was not simply a passive backdrop against which gender identities were played out. How space was used within individual spaces allows the difference between prescription and practice to be brought to the foreground. As a result, Flather argues that normative prescriptions and real life experience were connected in a dynamic interchange, raising doubts about the analogy of the separate spheres as a useful method of interpretation.

Keywords

Gender studies, Gender history

Discipline

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | History of Gender

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

Gender & History

Volume

20

Issue

2

First Page

430

Last Page

432

ISSN

09535233

Identifier

10.1111/j.1468-0424.2008.00528_7.x

Publisher

Wiley

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0424.2008.00528_7.x

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