Take-off, turbulence and turnaround

Purpose The aim of this paper is to explore the evolving nature work cabin crew in a Scandinavian carrier three eras, drawing on theories gender and emotional labour. Design/methodology/approach draws ethnographic data from fieldwork, interviews documents. Findings From being feminized temporary occupation for young, upper- middle-class women 1970s, became full-time job with greater diversity crew. Today there are signs becoming precarious one demanding devalorized polarized class-divided labour market. Changing circumstances impact requirement terms conditions at work. Research limitations/implications A limitation that research design was not initially longitudinal sense author does have exactly same kind each era. has, however, been involved field two decades, used multiple methods interacted different stakeholders drew unique material. Practical implications development aviation contributing new discriminatory practices, driving employee downwards changing demands. This will practical consequences lives families Social analysis illustrates how ‘constructs' workers contributes creating jobs sustainable employees. Intensification work, insecurity tougher working also challenge key features Nordic model such as proper pay, decent life-long employment. Much indicates profession again poor Originality/value literature labour, material, aspect focus single network good charting changes over time.