Men and Masculinities in the Port of Gothenburg

Research aims and methods

The project aims to investigate how masculinity is articulated and constructed in the history and present of the Port of Gothenburg. The study is based on literature studies, analysis of archive material and interviews with employees in the Port of Gothenburg and in the Swedish Dockworkers Union (Section 4).

Research outcomes

In summary, the ideal images of men and masculinity play a crucial role in the gender division of labour, and the ideals of masculinity that maintain male dominance continue to be resilient. At the same time, the increased economic status of the profession and the increasing influence of global enterprises are challenging the previously dominant working-class masculinity. The project’s results thus give a picture of gender roles in change, and indicate that the masculinity ideals are likely to loosen up and change in the future.