The Domestic Cost of Seafaring by Ruth Wallis Herndon as a reference
Why was gender such a crucial issue in the Navy?
Were African Americans better off at sea than on land?
What was the influence of class on the American Navy?
1. Gender was a crucial issue in the Navy because it was a traditionally male-dominated institution. Women were excluded from serving in combat roles and faced limited opportunities for advancement. The Navy upheld strict gender roles and hierarchical structures, which often resulted in the marginalization and exclusion of women. The presence of women in the Navy was seen as a potential threat to the established power dynamics and gender norms within the institution.
2. African Americans were not necessarily better off at sea than on land. While the Navy provided some opportunities for African Americans to escape the discrimination and racism they faced on land, they still faced significant challenges and racial prejudice within the Navy. African American sailors often experienced segregation, limited advancement opportunities, unequal treatment, and racial violence. The Navy, like American society at the time, was not immune from racial inequality and discrimination.
3. Class had a significant influence on the American Navy. The Navy has historically been a place where individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds could find employment. However, class divisions and inequalities were still prevalent within the Navy. Higher-ranking officers, who often came from privileged backgrounds, enjoyed better living conditions and more opportunities for career advancement. Lower-ranking enlisted personnel, on the other hand, often faced cramped living conditions, low pay, and limited opportunities for promotion. The influence of class within the Navy mirrored broader societal class divisions and inequalities in the United States.