The contribution of underwater cultural heritage to gender equality: an iconographic analysis of shipwrecks

Abstract

This article will examine how underwater cultural heritage research can be an essential tool for reaching gender equality in the maritime world. It will examine the interplay of male and female identities in the maritime world of the past through the analysis of works of art depicting shipwrecks. This will make it possible to investigate the social representation of gender roles and produce ground-breaking research on the consequences of past history in current gender conceptions. The importance of this research is reflected in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes Goal 5, ‘promoting national and international efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment’. Since gender inequalities are still deep-rooted in the maritime profession, this article believes that requestioning the vital role of women in the past and asking the right questions can advance gender equality.