Social practices and gender in a historic public space: The Alameda in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).

Abstract

This article analyses social practices in the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, a redeveloped historical public space in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Through a qualitative methodology, based on direct observation and interviews, different uses and activities are recorded. The results indicate a highly frequented public space, mainly by male users. This paper presents significant evidence of the relationship between gender and age related to the differentiated appropriation of the boulevard by men and women. Thus, specific groups, such as adults and young, are present during different times, making distinctive appropriations of the same place. While the elderly show a gendered attendance as male seniors are found to constitute a clear majority during weekday mornings whereas women from this age category are underrepresented.