Four distinct cultures of oilfield masculinity, but absent hegemonic masculinity: some multiple masculinities perspectives from a remote UK offshore drilling platform.

Adams, Nicholas Norman

Abstract

This study explores the multiple and distinct cultures of oilfield masculinity uncovered during an embedded ethnographic study of masculinities onboard a remote UK offshore drilling platform. Oilmen revealed shifting interpretations for how risky and dangerous oil work "should be done." Changes led to the construction of three distinct masculine cultures intertwined with positive safety behaviors and one culture intertwined with negative risky behaviors. Tracing the trajectory of Connell's hegemonic masculinity theory, no singular "hegemonic" or dominant masculinity existed in the oilfield. Also, unlike some existing oilfield research, masculine reformations, and subsequent divisions and associations between local cultures, were triggered by factors independent from shifts in workplace policies. Rather - and linking with emerging research exploring "manhood acts" - oilmen consciously reformulated their masculine identities, embodying self-awareness and self-reflection for reimagining processes, and themselves recognized each industrial identity as unique and capable of cultural support or resistance. Perspectives of growth for "hegemonic" masculinities theory are presented, alongside suggestions for further examination of masculinities in understudied male-dominated workplaces, to further expand the "manhood acts" research perspective.

Citation

ADAMS, N.N. 2023. Four distinct cultures of oilfield masculinity, but absent hegemonic masculinity: some multiple masculinities perspectives from a remote UK offshore drilling platform. Journal of contemporary ethnography [online], 52(3), pages 344-378. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/08912416221116658

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 29, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 5, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 3, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 3, 2022
• Journal: Journal of contemporary ethnography
• Print ISSN: 0891-2416
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-5414
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 52
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 344-378
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/08912416221116658
• Keywords: Multiple masculinities; Workplace masculinities; Male behaviour; Oil and gas industry; Offshore environments; Industrial sociology; Hegemonic masculinity; Manhood acts
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1724615