Summary- Spatial Metaphors- Reynolds Jordan Ripley

This excerpt is a criticism of capitalism with regards to space, specifically special metaphors and, most notably, time-space compression. Reynolds begins by speaking on the subject of special metaphors, which, he argues, are used so often that they are readily accepted as truth. While special metaphors have a connection to reality, Reynolds argues that that connection has been lost. He then goes on to talk more broadly about space as a concept. He says, quoting LeFebvre, that space has three components: perceived space, or our sensory perception of space; conceived space, which is made up of conceptual abstractions about space; and lived space, or the human element of space. These three are not necessarily distinct, but interconnected, reflecting the fact that space is not passive but ever-changing. Reynolds stresses the fact of spaces interlocked relationship. He goes to further explain this by using the example of Thirdspace, and its chart which shows the trialectics of space in a swirling manner. He goes on to criticize modernism, which made space more rigid and more corporal, and postmodernism, for time-space compression. In time-space compression, the world around us seems to be getting smaller (global village), while time seems to be getting larger. Technology enhances postmodern time-space compression by simulating travel to other spaces and speeding up other activities. Reynolds argues, though, that these are just perceptions of space, and that time-space compression makes the study of space more difficult, and the distinguishing between spaces more unclear. He finishes off by touching on the subject of feminist geography, which is less interested in the theoretical aspect of spatial theory, and more interested in the impact of space on women.