The family car : the relational geographies of in-car space

The aim of this thesis is to explore how roles, identities and hierarchies of age and gender are reproduced or transformed through power relations, within the space of the family car. This study encompasses a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of power within family car space. The theoretical approach is informed by relational conceptualisations of power, space and age, and by post-structuralist concepts of the performative nature of gender. The central argument is that social categories of gender and age are produced and re-created relationally through the particular discursive practices of power which are reiteratively performed within family car space. In some cases, these practices are enabled through the appropriation of the resources of in-car technology, which allows adults to control the aural and physical spaces of the family car.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo