A public road in a town or city, usually with buildings and sidewalks along it.
From Old English “strǣt,” from Latin “strata (via),” meaning paved road. It originally referred to Roman stone roads in Britain.
The ‘street’ was humanity’s original social network—where people traded, argued, performed, and shared news. Even today, “street” carries social meaning: “street smart” is a totally different skill set from “book smart.”
Discussions of 'the street' have often carried gendered connotations, including stereotypes about women in public spaces (e.g., harassment, sex work) and assumptions about safety and respectability. Urban planning and policing historically prioritized men’s mobility over women’s safety in street design.
Use 'street' neutrally for public space, and be careful not to equate women’s presence on the street with deviance or risk. When discussing safety, acknowledge gendered differences in experience without blaming victims.
Women activists and planners have advocated for safer, more inclusive streets through better lighting, public transit access, and community design.
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