Feminist geography in Great Britain: A decade of change

Abstract

In the mid seventies, the idea of feminist geography was practically unknown in Great Britain. Ten years later, and in spite of widespread opposition, it has begun to be recognized within the discipline of geography. During this time, important theoretical and empirical contributions have been made, thus stimulating changes and growth of theoretical concepts in the field. This article examines various viewpoints that can be identified in feminist geography in Great Britain since 1976. The first part consists of an analysis of the three principal contributions made in British geography during the period of initial growth between 1976 and the early 1980's. The second part analyses developments which have taken place since 1982, the date of establishment of the "Women Geography Study Group at a meeting of the Institute of British Geographers". The foundation of the group reflected growing interest in this new study area, and which bore fruit in the publication of the book Geography and Gender: an Introduction to Feminist Geography, just two years later.