Negotiating Gender Identities from Ship to Shore

Research on work and gender identity is still scarce in different occupational groups. This study focuses on seafaring professions on cargo ships where women’s representation remains low globally. Various gender-related challenges associated with work on board faced by women were reported; however, it is not well understood how women seafarers cope with the transition from ship (work) to shore (home) in terms of their gender identities. Based on 36 in-depth interviews, the research found that women’s gender identities may be conflicting when moving from ship to shore. During vacations, the cases revealed negotiation of gender identities in their local communities ashore. Such extra challenges for women affected their seafaring careers. The study identified a lack of understanding and support of complex socio-cultural issues concerning women seafarers ashore.