The constitution of space

pp. 129-195

in: Martina Löw, The sociology of space, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016

Abstract

Space is introduced here as a relational arrangement of social goods and living beings at places. Space emerges in the interplay of action and structure, through the processes of spacing and acts of synthesis. Spacing describes the placing of human beings, social goods, and cultural signs for the purpose of forming spatial arrangements. The act of synthesis describes the ability to perceive, imagine, and remember the spatial placing of human beings and social goods as coherent and reliable. The reproduction of institutionalized spaces occurs through repetition in everyday routine. Space is interwoven with cultural notions of class and gender. The chapter concludes with reflections on how space and place are associated and with a discussion of methodological consequences.