A Grounded Theory of Filipino Seafarers’ Singlehood

Abstract

Seafaring is one of the traditionally male-dominated occupations
for the longest time globally. It has also claimed that many of the
seafarers are single and preferred to be single. The purpose of the current study was to develop a theory that explains singlehood among male and female Filipino seafarer‘s diverse environment and circumstance. Grounded theory methodology was used in this effort to analyze interview data from and five (5) female and eighteen (18) male Filipino seafarers working in diverse environment and circumstances. The study explored why the participants remain single and how they managed singlehood. The Filipino Male and Female Single Seafarers in responding to Diverse Context theory proposes that singlehood in diverse environment and circumstances is best understood by participant‘s choices and decisions, and the factors that influence their decisions, the clarity of the circumstances they are in connecting with their experiences as single. Results for this purpose theorize seafarers‘ singlehood as to Freedom of choice; setting priorities; and constraints.