What happens on the ice, stays on the ice: transgression and layered silence in Antarctica

ABSTRACT

This article explores the nature of transgression in Antarctica, an isolated and extreme environment. Drawing upon interviews with Antarctic expeditioners, the paper examines harms and crimes of Australian Antarctic bases, some of which are unique to this physical and social environment. The article then considers how and why there is greater tolerance of ‘deviant’ behaviour in this setting and the layers of ‘silence’ that accompany various transgressions. This is interpreted through the conceptual lens of folk crime. Living and working in Antarctica, where everyone is dependent upon the same community, means that the contours of transgression, tolerance and silence by expeditioners is shaped by its unusual context and circumstance.

KEYWORDS:

• Antarctica
• extreme environments
• harm
• isolated and confined environments
• silence
• tolerance
• transgression

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.