Thinking Arab women's spatiality: the case of 'mutanazahat' in Nablus, Palestine

This article aims to develop our understanding of Arab women's spatiality. It highlights the effect of the embedded culture and the physical environment on shaping women's urban experiences. Drawing on feminist geographic and planning theory, this article develops an analytical framework to think women's spatial options and behaviours. The remainder of the article presents empirical research on two outdoor public spaces in the city of Nablus, Palestine, and analyses the use of these spaces by Nablusi women. It is concluded that three factors - space audience, spatial opportunities and space organisation - affect their perception of space, which in turn shapes and constructs their spatial options and behaviours.