女性問題 硏究에 있어서의 地理學的 接近

Geographical Approach for the Research on Women

The purpose of this article is to introduce a geographical approach for the research on women, i.e. geography of women. In recent years, especially in 1980s, researches on women have been increased and welcome as a new subject among geographers. More articles and books about geographical researches on women were published year by year, and then woman geography finally appeared as a new subfield of geography. Researches related to women with geographical approach are summarized. the following four topics: (1) The Pattern of Spatial Distribution of Women Geographical approach emphasizing on place and location focuses the. consequences of the spatial propinquity of women and men. The opportunities and achievements of women and men differ greatly, although sex ratio may be balanced in communities. Employment patterns, educational levels, rights, and status reveal the differences between the sexes and among women, and vary from place to place. (2) Women's Spatial Behavior The travel pattern of women and men represent sex selective patterns, both in terms of long-term migrations and short-term, day-to-day travel. Generally men travel farther away, more often and to different places than women. Among women, their travel patterns reveal differently based on their marital and/or occupational status. (3) Environmental Perception by Women In contrast with men, traditionally women tend to stay home rather than go outside, i.e. strange places. This is because they feel comfortable when they stay home, and think that their homes are the safest places against the crime. This aspect leads women have more constricted spatial environment than men. (4) Women's Role in Changing Her Environment Most activities and the cultural landscape associated with these activities were dominated by men, even though women have lived more than half the population in the world. There is, however, an increasing tendency that women have influence directly and indirectly on creating the cultural landscape based on the need of women, such as building houses, designing interior in the house, making social environment in their communities, etc. The pattern of spatial distribution and spatial movements is the most important thing to consider in geographical researches for women. Case studies of women in particular societies also would be valuable in these kinds of researches.