Introduction

Women throughout history have been barred and discredited from history books and the discoveries they have made, especially marine scientists, oceanographers, and sea explorers. Despite the lack of equality and acceptance by their male counterparts in the field, women worked tirelessly to make advancements in society’s understanding of our oceans by breaking stereotypes, leading in underwater expeditions, contributing to theories of continental drift, and advancing technology such as SONAR. The lack of acknowledgment and acceptance in regard to women in the marine science and exploration industry has quite the unique background. According to Bonatti and Crane in their article “Oceanography and Women: Early Challenges,” one of the key elements in the misogynistic narrative of past expeditions actually stems from reactions to Homer’s, The Odyssey. In early mythology and stories alike, women were viewed as a bad omen, and it was thought that their mere presence alone on a ship would cause it to sink; therefore, many women were turned away and not permitted to accompany the voyages that men were so freely able to. These taboos led to a sharp division in gender roles when it came to sea exploration, marine science, and oceanography. Despite societal reluctance and hardship, many brave women took matters into their own hands, cracked the glass ceiling, and stepped up to pave a path– or more literally, make waves– so that the women after them could focus on the sea, and not the fight for equity and inclusion.

Connection to STS

The science and technology surrounding sea exploration and science is steadfast and growing, advancing rapidly from the ground up. From navigating the sea using only the light of a thousand stars hundreds of years ago, to more recently, billionaire submarine expeditions and cruise tours through the infamous Drake’s Passage, the technology and conversation about the ocean and women’s role in helping society understand it is essential and continuously developing our knowledge of the world and its largest most diverse ecosystem– the ocean. The innovations and discoveries being made at the hands of expert women and new technology are aiding in society’s scientific inquiry of oceanic data, marine biology, and access to unprecedented and uncharted territory. This chapter aims to discuss the importance of women’s role in the field, focusing on those that pioneered progressions and made headway despite the gender stereotypes and challenges placed upon them.

Content: WOmen working

One of the main pioneers of her time was Marie Tharp. This brilliant woman’s mind worked tirelessly to research and provide scientific breakthroughs in her field. Her ideas were dismissed as “girl talk,” but she pushed through, making a notable advancement in mapping the seafloor and providing evidence on her theory of continental drift. For example, one of her most notable and widely known accomplishments is her mapping of the Mid- Atlantic ridge– a continuous mountain range running down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. Her discovery led to the understanding that the ocean floor is rigid and not completely flat; therefore, expanding society’s knowledge of oceanic geology, plate tectonics, and the nature of Earth’s crust.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, another prominent female lead in oceanic exploration, had an interest in the field since she was a little girl. She was subsequently nicknamed “her deepness” due to having logged over 7,000 hours underwater, including her walk on the seafloor, at depths of 1,250 feet below the sea level. Dr. Earle was, incredibly, the first female captain of an all-woman science crew. The team of aquanauts, as they are referred to, were a part of Tektite II in 1970, an underwater exploration mission.  The mission allowed the team to study marine life and the effects of living underwater on human physiology and psychology– this research was valuable for both oceanographic studies and future space missions. She stands firm in her belief that our lives depend on the health of the ocean, and it’s our job and duty to protect it.

Both of these women have also made outstanding steps in advancing scientific marine technology. Moreover, Marie Tharp’s interpretation of SONAR data led to her continental drift theory as she reviewed and studied topographical and geological maps that revealed mid-ocean ridges, underwater mountains, and deep-sea trenches. Sylvia Earle, on the other hand, was the first person to operate a deep-sea diving suit known as the JIM suit. It provided a stream of recirculating air, allowing her to stay underwater without a tether, 1250 feet below the surface.

Conclusion

Women of history– no matter the field they were in, have been discriminated against and discounted simply because of their gender. This is specifically applicable to women in STEM, and in this case, the female pioneers of ocean science, exploration, and marine life. It is important to understand and recognize the accomplishments of these missing voices and their impact on science, technology, and society. Women like Marie Tharp and Dr. Sylvia Earle are prime examples of notable female leads who have shaped our understanding of our Earth and oceans. Technology like the JIM suit and SONAR, have advanced our society and comprehension of the very planet we are bound by. Without the tireless work of women like them, and their incessant need to break the glass ceiling, many aspects of our society would not be standing today.

References:

BONATTI, E., & CRANE, K. (2012). Oceanography and Women: Early Challenges. Oceanography, 25(4), 32–39. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24805625

Women pioneers in deep ocean science. Montereybayaquarium.org. (n.d.). https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/stories/women-pioneers-in-ocean-science

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018, October 22). Making waves: Notable women in Ocean Science. NOAA’s National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/womens-history-month/

6 women pioneers of Ocean Exploration – All together. (2020, June 8 https://alltogether.swe.org/2020/06/six-women-pioneers-of-ocean-exploration/

Brooks, L. A., & Déniz-González, I. (2021, August 1). An apercu of the current status of women in ocean science. De Gruyter. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/pac-2020-1206/html

Perez, J. (2022, November 21). 3 lesser-known women in marine science. Ocean Conservancy. https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2022/03/08/3-lesser-known-women-marine-science/