While trying to understand the gendered nature of public space utilization, I observed a park on the weekend, aiming to bring to light the complex behaviors, interactions, and gender norms embedded in this setting. This activity, adapted from Kirsten’s examination of the presence of gender in children’s use of public playgrounds, addresses the issue of how gender impacts spatial dynamics (Karsten, 2003). The park I visited is a significant public space with playgrounds, pedestrian trails, and recreational areas. The observation happened on a sunny Saturday afternoon with different groups of people engaged in various activities. While in the park, I realized that there was a notable gender distribution. The males, eighteen in number, were seen more often engaging in more physically demanding activities such as playing games such as soccer and basketball. At the same time, the thirteen females were frequently found participating in activities such as yoga classes, relaxing on blankets, or playing less physically exhausting games.
The genders were distinguished by the behavioral differences observed between males and females. The males, who were more assertive and dominant, played central competitive and team-based sports. On the contrary, females who were more feeble and submissive attended individual or small group activities with the main focus on socialization rather than competition. Although some individuals behaved according to the conventional gender norms, males were more competitive, and females were involved in nurturing or social activities (Karsten, 2003). Hence, it was interesting to find out that not all of them followed these norms to the letter. Therefore, while some males were seen doing yoga and playing non-competitive sports with female friends, gender roles seemed more flexible. The outcomes of the violations of the norms gave me the understanding that they were flexible and could be applied differently in this public space. In an exciting event, a girl was seen playing soccer with a group of boys. Her debut on the field was met with surprise, but her subsequent play impressed everyone. This showed that although gender norms existed, they were not strictly applied, as one could break away from the predetermined role with their ability.
The gendering of space results from a mix of societal expectations and personal choices. The presence of some facilities, such as sports, changed the locations where men preferred to stay. Furthermore, the social element of girl’s participation was also seen, as there was a venue where girls could meet, have conversations, and do things that were done jointly (Friedrich, 1998). Considering the time and day of my observation, it became clear that these factors affected the use and gendering of space. The weekends, mainly afternoons, were the most populated by families and friend groups. Thus, the space was more dynamic and diverse as opposed to weekdays. Though it is plausible that different results might be obtained if the experiment was conducted on another day or time, the results will vary. The weekdays are more likely to be characterized by more personalized use of space, in line with traditional society’s gender roles. Individual events or general gatherings may also change the usual routines this weekend afternoon.
In conclusion, the analysis of the nearby park revealed the intricate patterns of gendered roles in public places. Some behaviors reflected societal expectations, but the demonstration of an individual’s ability to flexibly adapt to the space gave a sense of the dynamism of gender norms. Appreciating these intricacies is the key to developing gender-inclusive public spaces that appeal to different users and confront age-old gender biases.
References
Friedrich, W. N., Fisher, J., Broughton, D., Houston, M., & Shafran, C. R. (1998). Normative sexual behavior in children: A contemporary sample. Pediatrics, 101(4), e9-e9. doi:10.1542/peds.101.4.e9
Karsten, L. (2003). Children’s use of public space. Childhood, 10(4), 457–473. doi:10.1177/0907568203104005
write