Space in itself is gender-neutral, but its use can imbue it with a sexual dimension.

The commons are generally regarded as the physical space in which democracy can flourish. But just like the right to vote, public space was reserved for men for centuries; a self-respecting woman stayed at home and ruled behind closed doors. This was also reflected in the architecture of the traditional townhouse, as a counterpart to public space. The closer a room was to the street, the more public and masculine it was, such as the drawing room or the study. The kitchen, on the other hand, was at the rear, close to the garden.