In this book, the author develops a relational concept of space that encompasses social structure, the material world of objects and bodies, and the symbolic dimension of the social world. Löw's guiding principle is the assumption that space emerges in the interplay between objects, structures and actions. Based on a critical discussion of classic theories of space, Löw develops a new dynamic theory of space that accounts for the relational context in which space is constituted. This innovative view on the interdependency of material, social, and symbolic dimensions of space also permits a new perspective on architecture and urban development.

Provides a fresh approach to urban studies that differs fundamentally from other sociological perspectives Places the city itself center stage and explores its overall make-up in a holistic way in its physical, relational and symbolic dimensions Presents the work of a top scholar in the field of sociology

Autorentext

Martina Löw is Professor of Sociology at the Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. Her areas of specialization and research are sociological theory, urban sociology, space theory, and cultural sociology. From 2011 until 2013 she was president of the German Sociological Association, and as a member of numerous advisory boards, she is currently involved in several urban development projects.

Inhalt

1. Why Should Sociology Deal with Space?.- 2. Conceptions of Space in Context.- 3. Transformations of Phenomena of Space.-4. On the Way to a Sociological Concept of Space.- 5. Constitution of Space.- 6. Exemplary Analyses.- 7. Basic Concepts of a Sociology of Space.- Conclusions.