Arctic trophy hunters, tourism and masculinities, 1827–1914

Abstract

Trophy hunting in the Arctic happened in an intersection between tourism, expeditions and hunting. This study contributes to a discrete history of masculinity within the context of trophy hunting organized from North Norway and to a broader understanding of Arctic masculinity in general. As trophy hunting expeditions are primarily a male, even masculinist, tourist practice, an analysis from a gender perspective is unavoidable. By taking an empirical approach I investigate different performances of masculinity in written accounts of Arctic trophy-hunting expeditions from the period 1827-1914. The use of masculinity as a pivot demonstrates that a modification of the prevailing perception of Arctic masculinity is necessary. While the general understanding is dominated by an emphasis on physical strength, roughness, ingenuity, restless energy and strong will to self-realization, qualities connected to the traditional values and knowledge of trappers, sailors and explorers, my analysis shows that trophy hunting introduced aristocratic ideals such as gentlemen's sport, selfdiscipline, hunting morals, care for nature and distribution of knowledge to their home communities. Trophy hunting in the Arctic made possible performances of different forms of masculinity, not only the conquest and mastery of nature, but also the interest in and care for nature. Women also accompanied as family members and hunters, and women took part in the hunt more often than has been commonly noted.

Race to the Pole: Matthew Henson, Arctic Explorer

“…Dr. Goodsell returns to the ship on June 15, with a heavy load of botanical samples, meat, and skins, and he too looks the role: "His physical equipment was the finest; a giant in stature and strength" (49). As Lena Aarekol argues in "Arctic Trophy Hunters, Tourism, and Masculinities, 1827-1914" (2016, "trophy hunting made possible performances of different forms of masculinity, not only the conquest and mastery of nature but also the interest in and care for nature " (123, cp. 137).…”

Drilling for the future: Gendered justifications of the Arctic fossil fuel industry

“…This article approaches the topic of fossil fuel exploration in the Arctic by building on feminist discussions. The Arctic and its history are strongly connected to exploration, mastering nature and the heroism of male explorers and workers (Aarekol, 2016;Ryall, Schimanski, & Waerp, 2010;Vladimirova & Habeck, 2018). Approaching the fossil fuel industry in the Arctic from a feminist perspective allows not only to focus on the presentation of gender but also on the gendered values reflected by the fossil fuel companies.…”

“…The historical narrative of the Arctic as a frontier, as a territory to be conquered (Aarekol, 2016;Ryall et al, 2010;Vladimirova & Habeck, 2018), has also impacted the ways in which energy companies frame the Arctic region. Jackman et al (2020) reflect on the concepts of terrain and territory, encouraging a feminist perspective for approaching and re-crafting them.…”