Scientists and Crew: A Case Study in Communications at Sea. 2. The Social Efficiency of Conflict Aboard an Oceanographic Research Vessel,
Abstract
Elements of conflict between scientists and crew on a research vessel are described. It is suggested that conflict between these two groups is the inevitable result of extending the 'intellectual'/'worker' class conflict of our society to a closed space at sea. The controlling mechanism of the conflict may be called 'subcultural privacy', a mechanism worked out by mariners to cope with the disrupting effects of a constant stream of strangers into their sea-going home. The mechanism takes the form of institutionalized 'bitching' and systematic physical separation of scientists and crew during critical periods of the day. It is suggested that attempts to create greater crew/scientist harmony by forcing greater interaction (and thus a breakdown of sub-cultural privacy) will be counterproductive. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0776629
Entities
People
- Anne Collins
- H. R. Bernard
- Peter D. Killworth
Organizations
- West Virginia University