Feminist City: Claiming Space in a Man-Made World

Leslie Kern proposes a feminist intersectional approach to urban histories and suggests that the city is our best hope for shaping a new urban future. She argues that cities should be designed with women in mind, with a transit system that accommodates mothers with strollers, public spaces with enough toilets, and a place where women can walk without harassment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

A metropolis for working women should be a place where friendships go beyond the boundaries of Sex and the City. It should have a transit system that caters to the needs of mothers with strollers, ensuring a smooth school run experience. Public spaces should be designed with ample toilets to provide convenience for all. Moreover, women should feel safe and free from harassment while walking in the city.

In her book, "The City in Mind: Urbanism, Modernity, and the Everyday Life of Cities," Leslie Kern takes a deep dive into the social inequalities that are woven into our cities, homes, and neighborhoods. She offers a fresh perspective on urban histories, proposing a feminist intersectional approach that highlights the role of women in shaping the urban landscape. Kern maps the city from new vantage points, offering a comprehensive understanding of its complexities.

One of the key insights Kern presents is that the city is not just a physical space but also a powerful tool for shaping a new urban future. She argues that it is time to dismantle the assumptions we take for granted about cities and to ask how we can build more just, sustainable, and care-full cities together.

Kern's book offers a roadmap for creating more equitable and inclusive cities. She highlights the need for a feminist intersectional approach that considers the diverse experiences and needs of women, as well as other marginalized groups. This approach involves recognizing the historical and systemic inequalities that have shaped the city and working towards their dismantling.

One of the key recommendations Kern makes is to prioritize public spaces that are designed with the needs of women and other marginalized groups in mind. This includes the provision of ample toilets, safe lighting, and secure infrastructure. It also involves creating spaces that are welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that the city is inclusive for all.

Another important aspect of creating a metropolis for working women is the development of a robust transit system that accommodates the needs of mothers with strollers, students, and workers. This includes the provision of dedicated bus lanes, bike-friendly infrastructure, and reliable public transportation options. By investing in a transit system that is accessible and convenient, women can reduce their reliance on private vehicles, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

In addition to public spaces and transit systems, Kern also emphasizes the importance of building a sense of community and social cohesion in the city. This involves creating spaces that promote social interaction and engagement, such as community gardens. gardens, and public parks. These spaces can help to build a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation, which can be particularly challenging for women who are juggling work and family responsibilities.

Furthermore, Kern suggests that the city can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development and environmental sustainability. By investing in green infrastructure, such as parks and green roofs, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality. They can also promote sustainable transportation options, such as electric vehicles and public transportation, which can help to reduce pollution and promote a healthier environment for all.

In conclusion, a metropolis for working women should be a place where friendships go beyond the boundaries of Sex and the City. It should have a transit system that caters to the needs of mothers with strollers, ensuring a smooth school run experience. Public spaces should be designed with ample toilets to provide convenience for all. Moreover, women should feel safe and free from harassment while walking in the city.

In her book, "The City in Mind: Urbanism, Modernity, and the Everyday Life of Cities," Leslie Kern offers a comprehensive and feminist intersectional approach to urban histories. She highlights the social inequalities that are woven into our cities, homes, and neighborhoods and proposes a roadmap for creating more just, sustainable, and care-full cities together. By prioritizing public spaces that are designed with the needs of women and other marginalized groups in mind, developing a robust transit system, building a sense of community and social cohesion, and promoting sustainable development, cities can become more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable places for all.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 128 x 200 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788739825