In the chapter entitled Bodies, sexuality and the city written by Knox and Pinch, societies view of the body formed by the surrounding urban area is discussed

        Urban life also socially constructs those who are disabled. The views and social construction is formed by those who are abled bodied. In essence, they are formed by those on the outside looking in. However, people believed that if those who were disabled were given certain things that would help them with their disability then it wouldn’t be considered a disability at all. The first social constructions were formed based on the views people had of those who were blind. The urban setting is not sound for those with disabilities due to stairs, high curbs along with other things that would make it hard to be mobile for those who are disabled. With such limited accessibility within the city its makes it difficult, nearly impossible, for the disabled to be full citizens. However, now cities are much more serious when dealing with the disabled making urban areas much more accessible for them.

        Sexuality and gender play a major role in one’s experience in the city. For example, some may be shy about showing public affection with a partner in the city but showing affection to a partner of the same sex is even more of a rarity due to the public opinion of it. Until recently, homosexuality was nearly considered an offence in many Western societies. Now, urban areas have increased their tolerance for homosexuality and has become less harsh on those who choose that lifestyle. As previously stated, gender also plays a role in one’s experience based on social views of a man’s role compared to a woman’s role in society. For example, McDowell showed how in the city of London being a merchant banker plays gender specific roles. It was a male dominated business where a woman’s role could only go so far. In the past, these roles have been advantageous to males making the areas heteropatriarchal environments.

        By hitting on these points it is easy to see that there are several different aspects that determine one’s experience in the city. Gender would play the most important role due to the fact that the socially accepted roles for males compared to females are most apparent. However, comparing those who are able-bodied to those who are disabled also have a large effect on the experience of said individual. Also, one’s sexuality can greatly define their experience. Regardless that society has become more welcoming to alternate lifestyles there are still plenty of people who view it as not being normal. Society exerts a large amount of pressure on how one is to live within the city if they want to be accepted as normal.