Exploring Gender and Research in

Antarctica

Group I

A look at Ice continent

Considered as Boy’s Club, Arena of Masculinity and

a ground to test manhood

Female only in there gendered roles.

Not allowed to step foot on the continent confined on

Ships.

No native population.

Male to female ratio 1:7(varies considerably)

Total population summers: 4000

Important Facts

1935, Caroline Mikkelsen, wife of a Norwegian

whaling captain, became the first known woman to

set foot, briefly, in Antarctica—but not the first

person.

Women had to wait 100 years to be part of

Antarctica after its discovery.

1969-1970, the US Navy ban on transporting women

was lifted.

Gender issues in field of scientific

research

Gaps in participation.

Barriers that generate discrimination against women

in scientific careers and decision-making.

Less likely to be promoted to top positions.

Low proportion of women on research decision-

making boards

Women researchers paid less than men on the same

level (gender pay-gap)

‘There is no problem’– a lack of awareness and

commitment

How all this relates to Antarctica

Gaps in participation

1. Boy's club

2. Participation in traditional role

3. Thinking of men

4. Harsh environment

5. Male program leaders against

women

6. Eligibility criteria.

7. Undermining the ability.

Discrimination of women in scientific

careers

1. Prove worthy for position

2. Challenge male dominance.

3. Doubt on female psychological

strength and unadoptable to the

environment.

Family Values

1. Demanding field research

daunts both mother and father.

2. Family choices weigh heavier

on women.

Other Factors Specific for Antarctica

Long duration work conditions, affecting personal

relationships (i.e. leaving children behind)

Female scientists have the perception that to be a

successful researcher full dedication is needed, to

the exclusion of other interests or personal life.

Stories heard but not reported of sexual harassment,

indecent behavior and even indecent assault to

women expeditionary

Pressure from society from leaving “their normal

roles”

Perception that women will lead to social disruption.

Changing roles of women in Antarctica

Practical companions

A Heroes's wife

Era of Science and First Participation

40 years of women in Antarctica: challenges

and changes

In the last 40 years, women have participated in

many Antarctic roles.

Impact of world wide drive on Gender Mainstreaming

and equal rights.

The Feminist Movement of the 1970s helped women

to gain access to work in Antarctica

Change in working conditions for women, allowing

equal opportunity for employment.

Social and Environmental Stressors

in Antarctica Isolation

Confinement

Environment

Isolation from outside world. Confinement in winter.

Harsh environment .

ICE

Leads to depression, stress and

bearing on Social relationships.

Discussion, Conclusion, and

Recommendation

The role of women in Antarctic has evolved from

companions to contributors.

However, men still greatly outnumber women in the

Antarctic workplace, even though many developed

nations have mandated equal employment

opportunities by law.

The main constrains on women’s involvement have

been the perception that they are interfering with the

‘heroic culture’, or taking men’s jobs.