Reimer, Rachel; Eriksen, Christine (2022). Leadership in Mountain and Wildland Professions in Canada: Examining the Impacts of Gender, Safety, and Climate Change. In: Fletcher, Amber J.; Reed, Maureen G. (eds.) Gender and the Social Dimensions of Climate Change: Rural and Resource Contexts of the Global North (pp. 149-167). London: Routledge 10.4324/9781003089209-12
Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)This chapter explores mountain and wildland environments as socially constructed masculine spaces where competence as a professional is linked to performing certain types of masculinity. The findings shared are from two studies conducted using a feminist appreciative approach to Action Research methods: A 2016 study amongst wildland firefighters in British Columbia, and a 2019 study amongst avalanche and guiding professionals in Western Canada. These professionals work in environments that are becoming increasingly risky due to climate change. The conflation of competence with masculinity is revealed to have negative impacts on wellbeing for all members of mountain and wildland professions, including harassment and discrimination, and increased suicide rates for cis-males. Notably, this includes negative impacts to team decision making, risk management, safety, and inclusion. Ultimately, the authors expose “masculinity as competence” to be a socio-cultural myth. While this myth is dominating the cultural discourse among professionals working in mountain and wildland environments at present, there is an emergent space for new culturally inclusive narratives in these environments.
Item Type: |
Book Section (Book Chapter) |
|---|---|
Division/Institute: |
08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Human Geography 08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography |
UniBE Contributor: |
Eriksen, Christine |
Subjects: |
900 History > 910 Geography & travel |
ISBN: |
9781003089209 |
Publisher: |
Routledge |
Language: |
English |
Submitter: |
Prof Dr Christine Eriksen |
Date Deposited: |
30 Aug 2023 14:40 |
Last Modified: |
09 Apr 2024 13:05 |
Publisher DOI: |
10.4324/9781003089209-12 |
URI: |
https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/185820 |
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