Gender perceptions in shipping

Abstract

There are many industries wherein gender imbalance is the norm. One of these is shipping. As far as gender is concerned, the maritime domain seems to be a catalyst for discrimination on board vessels and on shore. The number of women as compared to that of men is completely unbalanced and what is more so, even the few women that are employed in the entirety of the maritime domain, may be faced with further discriminatory practices; exclusion, harassment, and even abuse. Within this situation, the studies demonstrating and analysing the specifics of gender dynamics in shipping are sparse. This distinct research gap is covered by the present work. A questionnaire-based survey was administered with reference to pertinent strategic factors in shipping and the responses were segregated based on gender. Statistical analysis uncovers that there are differing perceptions in the way males and females acknowledge different factors. Further cluster analysis in the results reveals that both females and males can contribute distinct added value to the shipping sector. These results are important as they prove that the gender imbalance in shipping is completely unsubstantiated and needs to be addressed imminently if the industry wishes to head towards a sustainable paradigm.