Breaking Stereotypes: Gender Roles in the Workplace

“I see no reason for any female to not follow her dream and obtain whatever career she desires,” said New Orleans riverboat pilot, Casey Clayton.

Clayton knew when she entered the industry that she was entering a predominantly male field of work, but that didn’t intimidate her.

After graduating from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in business, she worked in a variety of different fields and jobs. She was unhappy with her career and felt she was destined for more.

“I was unfulfilled,” she said, adding, “I wanted to accomplish more than I felt was possible in any of the jobs I had experienced at that point.”

“I wanted to accomplish more than I felt was possible in any of the jobs I had experienced at that point.”

Clayton grew up in a maritime family. Her father was a pilot and she was always intrigued by the field. However, at the time there were no female pilots. It was a field that people mostly associated with men. It seemed that the odds were against her.

This was a career she had never thought about pursuing and it appeared difficult and far fetched. “After talking to my father, I realized there was no reason I could not do the job,” she said.

Despite being a female and knowing the intimidation she may face, her decision became clear. “I decided to compile a list of what I did and did not want in a career. After finalizing that list, I realized being a pilot checked all of my boxes,” she adds. The next step was to begin training to become a pilot.

She went back to school. From there on, she attended State University of New York Maritime College where she obtained a master’s in marine transportation. She then earned her United States Coast Guard Third Mates unlimited tonnage license, which allows her to sail on the open seas. Also required was extensive marine training and a specific license on the Mississippi River from mile 88 to mile 234.

After meeting the qualifications and years of hard work, she beat the odds and became the first female riverboat in Louisiana.

Her dedication and perseverance allowed her to break any preconceived stereotypes within the field. Today, she has her dream career and made history in the process.

The stereotype at the time, and still seen today, are that men are strong and should provide and protect. Women should, instead, play the care-taker role. These social roles are slowly being broken.

Although she has been a pilot for sixteen years now, Clayton still gets the same reaction on almost every ship she boards: shock.

However, while men may be surprised to see a female pilot, she rarely has any trouble with anyone on board most vessels. “Most mariners are extremely professional and make it their goal to maneuver the vessels safely,” Clayton said, noting, “They don’t let issues like gender affect their job in a negative way.”

It may be surprising that even though many fields have become more gender inclusive, people still have these old-fashioned mindsets. Many men also face set expectations when working in positions with mostly women. It is important to ignore these stereotypes.

So what’s a typical day look like for a riverboat pilot? “Everyday is different,” said Clayton. Their schedules are set one week on, then one week off. During the work week, the pilots are on call 24/7, meaning they can get called to a ship at any time, day or night.

“Mississippi riverboat pilots move ships 24/7, rain or shine, and even in emergency events like hurricanes,” said marine operator, James Ybarzabal.

Pilots have three hours to get to a ship once called, and often stay on board for six to eight hours. They occasionally board while the ships are already moving.

“We appreciate the riverboat pilots that help the foreign flagged vessels navigate the Mississippi river,” says maritime shipping agent Karen DeRocha.

A negative about the job is the very unpredictable schedule. Because of the late work hours, pilots often suffer from fatigue caused by working long nights with little to no sleep.

Despite the fast paced atmosphere, Clayton enjoys that no work day is the same.

“One of the best things about piloting is the sense of accomplishment felt after safely maneuvering a ship the length of three football fields to its destination,” she said. Additionally, she likes being self employed and not having an office job.

“I never let the fact that I’m a female get in the way of doing my job to the best of my ability even if I sense any negativity on the bridge,” Clayton stated.

Many women in the workplace today are still set to stereotype-driven expectations, especially in a demanding field such as this one.

“Even though many industries are becoming more diverse, gender stereotypes still remain. The more inclusive and equitable industries become the easier it is to dispel those stereotypes,” says Southeastern communication professor Dr. Elizabeth Hornsby.

Clayton encourages other girls to ignore the stereotypes set in the workplace, “Don’t hesitate to enter any field of work simply because it is traditionally male dominated,” she commented. “I’m confident in my abilities and I don’t back down from any job I’m given.”

“Don’t hesitate to enter any field of work simply because it is traditionally male dominated.”

According to Dr. Hornsby, “Oftentimes it is the people who are diversifying a workplace (male in a female-dominated industry or vice-versa) that bear the weight of dispelling gender stereotypes along with simply doing their job.” However, Clayton adds, “Being a female [in this field] probably gives me more drive than some of my male colleagues and I use it to my own advantage.”

Strong and brave women such as Casey Clayton are slowly breaking these social roles and stereotypes.

She concluded: “My suggestion to any female working in a male dominated industry is to use it to your advantage. Be confident in yourself and your abilities and use the challenge to help yourself as you go through your career.”