“I’M TRYING MY BEST TO FIT IN”: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATION FROM A MUSLIM FEMALE CHIEF ENGINEER PERSPECTIVE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJEPC.1164117Keywords:
Behavioural Adaptation, Career Survival, Maritime Industry, Psychospiritual Resilience, Women SeafarersAbstract
This study explored the social and behavioural adaptation experienced by a Female Chief Engineer working in a male-dominated maritime environment. Using a qualitative single-case study approach, the study examined the participant’s workplace challenges, behavioural survival strategies, leadership experiences, and career persistence throughout her maritime journey. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the participant experienced various challenges involving physical exhaustion, psychological pressure, operational anxiety, gender scepticism, interpersonal conflict, and workplace resistance. The study found that adaptation within maritime environments extended beyond technical competency, involving continuous emotional regulation, behavioural negotiation, and workplace survival strategies. Despite repeatedly experiencing exhaustion and thoughts of resignation, the participant continued progressing within the maritime industry through persistence, professionalism, behavioural adaptation, and interpersonal adjustment. The findings also showed that emotional attachment toward maritime life became an important factor contributing to the participant’s long-term career persistence. Rather than leaving the industry, the participant gradually transformed workplace scepticism into professional recognition through continuous adaptation and leadership development. The study argues that women’s career sustainability and progression in maritime leadership positions are not solely determined by technical capability, but also by the interaction of behavioural adaptation, emotional endurance, interpersonal adjustment, occupational commitment, and psychospiritual coping within masculine occupational cultures. Overall, this study contributes to Social and Behavioural Studies by providing deeper understanding of the behavioural and emotional realities experienced by women working in high-risk maritime professions.
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