Spatial (in)justice shaping the home as a space of work

Abstract

Drawing on an extensive literature review, this study examines how injustices manifest in space and the role of space in engendering injustices when associated with working at home. Findings illustrate, firstly, that in defining the home as a space of non-work positioned in the private sphere, work at home is rendered invisible, as well as the worker within and the material and immaterial conditions under which they work, conducing to injustices. Secondly, work at home and the home are starkly gendered, and in positioning work at home and feminising this work, work is usually devalued, and under- or unpaid. Thirdly, that quality housing with material conditions to support homeworkers is not evenly distributed nor accessible across different social groups nor do all social groups have access to high quality living environments and nature to support their work and well-being, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, homes separate homeworkers from each other, hindering the formation of networks of solidarity to advance justice. Finally, the type of work at home is unevenly geographically distributed, fragmenting cities and creating hierarchical spatial relations that exacerbate injustices across urban spaces. Conclusions suggests actions that architects and planners can take to advance spatial justice through their work.