Engine versus Hull : a study of trade stratification at Malta Drydocks

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on Malta Drydocks, examining an unresearched aspect of such an enterprise. It looks, at a peculiar type of understated yet evident stratification between trades. This study analyses the traditional rift that exists between the two major divisions at Malta Dry docks - the Engine and the Hull. The main tenet of this argument is that the tradesmen whose work deals with ship engines are considered to be the elite when contrasted with the employees whose work deals with the outer body of the ship, that is the hull. This research study tries to analyse this rift and the reasons which actually lead to such a situation. The introduction gives a very brief overview of the enterprise and it is followed by a literature review outlining the different perspectives on stratification. The literature review includes both primary and secondary sources, although sources relating directly to the subject under study are very limited. The succeeding chapter provides a description of the method used in this study. This study relies mainly on qualitative research, combining both personal interviews and focus group sessions. This chapter is followed by an overview and a discussion of the results. The concluding chapter tries to provide a new perspective from which to perceive this enterprise by linking the discussion in the previous chapter with other studies conducted at Malta Drydocks.