The Transformation of Maritime Professions: Old and New Jobs in European Shipping Industries, 1850-2000

This book explores the economic impact of technological changes and the rise of passenger shipping on social relations on board and ashore in European shipping industries between c.1850 and 2000. It presents case-studies on changes in different maritime professions, including maritime labor, specific groups of deck, catering, or engine room personnel, and a prosopographical or micro-historical approach. It will be of interest to academics and students of economic history, maritime, and labor history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the profound economic impact of technological advancements and the burgeoning popularity of passenger shipping on the social dynamics within European shipping industries spanning from approximately 1850 to 2000. The convergence of changes in motive power, communication techniques, positioning technologies, and the rise of passenger shipping not only brought about the creation of new roles and responsibilities but also led to the marginalization or disappearance of traditional jobs and skills.

To explore these intricate transformations, the book presents a series of case studies that examine the shifts in various maritime professions across different seafaring countries in Europe. These case studies cover a wide range of topics, including changes in maritime labor at large, as well as specific groups of deck, catering, or engine room personnel, such as captains, cooks, catering personnel, engineers, or radio operators.

In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of these changes, the book employs a diverse range of analytical approaches. Some chapters adopt a prosopographical or micro-historical approach, delving into the individual stories and experiences of individuals within the maritime industry. These chapters offer a humanistic perspective, shedding light on the personal journeys and challenges faced by these professionals throughout the changing times.

On the other hand, other chapters take a spatial perspective, analyzing business records, materials from professional associations, and distilling information from large sets of quantitative data. These chapters employ quantitative analysis to shed light on broader trends and patterns in the industry, providing a more statistical and empirical understanding of the economic impact of technological changes and the rise of passenger shipping.

The book is of immense interest to academics and students of economic history, maritime and labor history, and related fields. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between technological advancements, economic forces, and social dynamics, providing a rich tapestry of historical experiences that continue to shape the modern maritime industry.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031272110
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023