Arctic Governance and Gender: Climate Change or Social Change?

Abstract

Under the philosophy of corporate social responsibility (CSR), organisation’s social responsibility is often also seen as extending beyond the organisational boundaries, both by the organisation itself and its surroundings. Companies may be seen as holding a certain amount of responsibility for its local community by way of providing stable employment, by way of contributing financially and otherwise to local institutions and cultural organisations and by way of becoming a political actor when vital local issues are felt to be at stake. This chapter argues how industry as well as government actors in our opinion have a responsibility for the social inclusion of women in their dealings on all levels. As an illustration, we have chosen to examine gender issues in the Arctic region on a broad level. The reason why the Arctic is chosen as an illustration is that the region is of particular significance to the maritime industry due to the increasing interest of shipping companies to expand business opportunities here (e.g., new shipping routes, new tourism opportunities, etc.). Also, the Arctic region is highly environmentally sensitive. Lastly, the Arctic region includes countries that like to look upon themselves as “gender equal”. Thus, our example will illuminate economic as well as environmental and social aspects within a CSR mode of thought, although our emphasis will be on the extended social responsibility concerning gender issues.