Take-off, turbulence and turnaround

Bibliographic Data

ID6058869
AuthorsUlla Forseth (0000-0002-6727-4474, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume42
Issue4
Pages480-493
Publication date2023-05-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEqual Opportunities International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/edi-09-2021-0249
OpenAlexW4294397927
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited26

Purpose The aim of this paper is to explore the evolving nature of the work of cabin crew in a Scandinavian carrier in three eras, drawing on theories of gender and emotional labour. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on ethnographic data from fieldwork, interviews and documents. Findings From being a feminized and temporary occupation for young, upper- and middle-class women in the 1970s, the occupation became a full-time job and with greater diversity of cabin crew. Today there are signs of the job becoming a precarious and temporary one of demanding and devalorized work in a polarized and class-divided labour market. Changing circumstances impact on the emotional labour requirement and terms and conditions at work. Research limitations/implications A limitation is that the research design was not initially longitudinal in the sense that the author does not have exactly the same kind of data from each era. The author has, however, been involved in this field for two decades, used multiple methods and interacted with different stakeholders and drew on a unique data material. Practical implications The development in aviation is contributing to new discriminatory practices, driving employee conditions downwards and changing the job demands. This development will have practical consequences for the lives and families of cabin crew. Social implications The analysis illustrates how work ‘constructs' workers and contributes in creating jobs that are not sustainable for the employees. Intensification of work, insecurity and tougher working conditions also challenge key features in the Nordic model such as proper pay, decent work and a life-long employment. Much indicates that the profession is again becoming a temporary one of demanding work with poor working conditions in a polarized and class-divided labour market. Originality/value The research contributes to the literature on emotional labour, gender and the evolving nature of the work of cabin crew. The unique data material, the longitudinal aspect of the research and the focus on a single network carrier are good in charting changes over time

Aeronautics · Crew · Emotional labor · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Emotional Labor in Professions · Employment and Welfare Studies · Engineering · Labor Movements and Unions · Psychology · Social Psychology

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