Date of Award
Spring 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Ph.D (Maritime Affairs)
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Abstract
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development aims at transformative change to connect people and the ocean. Innovation necessary for transformational change requires diverse perspectives, therefore women’s perspectives and equal participation are crucial for Ocean science. However, there is widespread evidence of underrepresentation of women especially in governance and decision-making roles. This dissertation aims to critically analyse how gender inequality persists within marine science for the sustainable use of the ocean and to contribute to developing the essential awareness of and strategies for addressing this issue. Using an intergovernmental marine science organisation as a case study, a feminist participatory action research approach was employed to examine the mechanisms contributing to gender inequality in the International Council for the Exploration of Sea (ICES). Systematic collection of self-identified gender-disaggregated data is generally lacking across ocean and marine scientific institutes and organisations. This study set out to make visible the state of gender equality and establish a baseline of gender representation in ICES. Analysis of specific parts of scientific practice, including conference participation, ocean-going field work, and institutional process, in addition to the perspectives of women working in the network, were used to identify barriers and solutions for progressing gender equality. Among the key findings, collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data is critical to make visible inequality, establishing that while women are well represented at early career stage and as experts working within the ICES network, clear and persistent gender inequality is present at decision-making and senior levels within the organisation. Cultural and structural barriers for women in ocean-going research were identified, including behavioural norms, family care responsibilities, gender-insensitive ship facilities, and safety concerns. Interventions such as awareness raising, gendersensitive design of research vessels, and enhanced implementation of gender equality policies are proposed to address these challenges and improve the conditions and representation of women in marine science. Systemic change should be driven through participatory approaches, recognising the role of formal and informal actions and work towards continuous implementation of gender equality plans to drive institutional transformation. Interviews with women connected to the ICES network underscore paradoxical perceptions of gender inequality, revealing interpretations influenced by postfeminist sensibilities. Subsequent analysis reveals a nuanced understanding of 9 barriers and solutions, emphasising the need for multifaceted approaches addressing institutional gender inequality through awareness, understanding, and action at individual, institutional, and societal level, as well as challenging the status quo through disruptive interventions like quotas. Science institutions that operate gender-blind, without acknowledging the role that gender plays in shaping the formal and informal aspects of institutional practice and culture can inadvertently continue to reinforce gender bias, acting as a barrier to the advancement of women to leadership levels of marine science. Based on the key findings, recommendations are presented for improving gender equality in marine and ocean science.
Comments
ISBN: 978-91-988968-5-5