Between life and death : women fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Main Author: Grzetic, Brenda
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2002
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/1135/; https://research.library.mun.ca/1135/1/Grzetic_Brenda.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/1135/3/Grzetic_Brenda.pdf

This thesis explores the work and learning experiences and health concerns of women fish harvesters within the context of the recent restructuring of the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. I assess women's participation and professional status in the fishing industry, and identify occupational and general health concerns associated with their work. I also investigate ways in which individual and organizational processes are gendered and determinants of both women's place in the fishery and their overall health and well-being. The social determinants of health provide a broad analytical framework, while more specific analyses and insights into gender dynamics incorporate a feminist analysis. Qualitative analysis focuses on the work environment in the restructured fishery, women's work and learning experiences on fishing boats, their conditions at work, the institutional support available to them, and the implications of these for their health and safety as workers in the fishing industry. Quantitative analysis focuses on trends in the numbers of women fish harvesters since the 1970s, licensing and professionalization status of fish harvesters, women's participation in training initiatives, and links between these and health risks to women fish harvesters.