an article by Ana Slišković and Ariana Juranko (University of Zadar, Croatia) published in Community, Work & Family Volume 22 Issue 5 (2019)
Abstract
Although the dual life of a seafarer’s family is recognised as a unique life, a systematic approach to the perspectives of seafarers’ partners is lacking, especially in the case of long-term separation. Therefore, we have adopted a qualitative approach to gain systematic and deeper insight into the features of the seafarers’ occupation which are reflected positively or negatively in their partners’ lives.
By means of an online survey, we collected data from 647 partners of Croatian seafarers.
The data obtained, relating to open-ended questions, were analysed by thematic analysis.
Negative effects of separation emerged as the most strongly-represented theme, wherein a range of different aspects relating to separation is identified (loneliness, overload with domestic duties and care for children, etc.). Other negative aspects relate to fear caused by risks and stressors in seafaring, subordination of one’s own job/career, and lack of understanding and support from family and friends
Still, participants reported a range of positive aspects of the dual life, such as financial security, growth of the loving relationship, full commitment from their partner during days off, the benefits of the seafarer's job satisfaction for the relationship, and having time for one’s own growth during the partner’s absence.
I would want to add my own negative comment to those expressed in this survey: his need to take over as head of the household as soon as he got home from four months at sea. Four months when I had been in the position!
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