Marginal Female Subjectivities and Built Environment Through Household Types

Female actors, in other words, marginalized female subjectivities, of women living alone, of single mothers, of homemates to the formation of the domestic space besides the ones that play the traditional mother-wife role. It is oriented towards dwelling practices of women which is a more horizontally-diving problem area of the society. The text has been structured into two parts. The first part focuses on the social positions and dwelling practices of households characterized as “marginal” from past to present, putting a special emphasis on the distinct demographic features of Istanbul; while the second part reveals the findings of research conducted with marginal female households in Istanbul. The research comprises in- depth interviews carried out with 10 women between the ages of 26 to 46, all having university degree and belonging to middle/high-middle income group, living in various districts of the city. Today, when the multiple household experiences of women during their life courses are considered, the importance of raising awareness for the needs and expectations of the marginal household categories which are outside the traditional norms comes along once more. Futhermore, such awareness can pave the way for the discussion of more qualified and sophisticated dwelling forms and practices which will enable a multi- purpose and flexible spatial use; thus, for the formation of a more sensitive living environment.