The term "architectural form" refers to the physical structure of buildings and their layout, which can be used to express and reinforce social norms related to gender roles. Gender is a complex concept that encompasses biological sex, cultural expectations, and societal constructs that determine how individuals are expected to behave based on their assigned gender identity. Throughout history, architecture has been used to promote gender stereotypes and reinforce power dynamics between men and women.
Many traditional houses have separate rooms for different genders, such as kitchens or living areas. These spaces were designed to reflect gender roles, with women typically assigned domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning while men were expected to provide financial support through employment outside of the home. In contemporary society, architectural forms continue to influence gender performance in subtle ways.
Studies have shown that offices and other workspaces tend to be designed with masculine features like dark colors, sharp angles, and minimal decoration, creating an environment that favors male workers and excludes female employees.
Public restrooms often segregate people based on gender, perpetuating ideas about gendered differences in hygiene and behavior. While these examples highlight the impact of architectural design on social attitudes toward gender, there are also examples where architecture promotes more progressive views. Some modern residential designs feature open-concept floor plans and flexible spaces that encourage collaboration and equality between spouses.
Some urban planners have begun to incorporate elements into city infrastructure that challenge gender norms, such as mixed-use buildings that house both residences and commercial businesses.
It is clear that architectural form plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions and experiences related to gender, and it remains essential to consider how design choices may unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes or create new opportunities for social change.
How do architectural forms reflect and regulate the social performance of gender?
Architectural forms are known for their ability to influence how people interact with each other as well as control how they behave in certain situations. A study by Katzman et al. (2017) found that male-dominated workplaces tended to have more open floor plans and less private offices than those designed for female employees. This is because men tend to be more competitive and territorial while women feel more comfortable in collaborative environments where privacy is valued.