Title: (In)equality on grounds of sex/gender in the (welfare state's) public space

Authors: María Ludivina Valvidares Suárez

Addresses: Departamento de Derecho Público, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus de El Cristo, s/n, Oviedo – 33006, Spain

Abstract: This work explores the relationship between inequality on grounds of sex and the public space. Gender studies have devoted particular attention to the separation between public and private spheres, which has naturalised the functions of men and women, thus, justifying the exclusion of women from the public sphere and the subordination of the private domestic sphere. But the private sphere may also be understood as personal autonomy for the exercise of fundamental rights. On the basis of this reading, there is a call for the incorporation of the gender perspective into the construction of the public space par excellence - the city, as a driving force for equality in the enjoyment of rights. Finally, there is a reflection upon the conflicts provoked by the exercise of various freedoms in the public or semi public space and their impact upon equality between men and women.

Keywords: equality on grounds of sex; public space; women's rights to the city; right of admission; sexist advertising.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRCS.2017.089726

International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, 2017 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.264 - 295

Received: 14 Jun 2017
Accepted: 10 Jul 2017
Published online: 08 Feb 2018 *

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