In this article, we discussed the meaning of sexual harassment, the causes, the example, we also talked about the effect and consequences.
Definition
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behavior that can make someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or humiliated. It can be a single incident or a pattern of behavior
Sexual harassment is uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate (such as an employee or student)
Examples of sexual harassment
Physical contact, such as hugging
Sexual advances, such as requests for sexual favors
Sexually suggestive comments or jokes
Displaying or sharing sexual images
Asking questions about someone’s sex life
Using sexually explicit language
The Causes of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a complex issue with many causes, including power dynamics, social norms, and gender relations.
Power dynamics
Power imbalances
Sexual harassment is often a manifestation of power imbalances, where people with more power exploit their position to harass others.
Misaligned incentives
Economic theory suggests that misaligned incentives can lead to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Male entitlement
Some scholars suggest that male attitudes about gender roles contribute to sexual harassment.
Social norms
Social norms: Social norms can create a culture of impunity where sexual harassment is common.
False beliefs: False beliefs about gender relations can contribute to sexual harassment.
Traditional attitudes: Traditional patriarchal attitudes can contribute to sexual harassment.
Gender relations
Unequal gender relations: It is often enabled by unequal gender relations.
Suspicion of the opposite sex: Suspicion of the opposite sex can contribute to sexual harassment.
Perceiving violence as a solution: The belief that violence is a reasonable way to solve problems can contribute to it.
Other factors
Harmful practices: Harmful practices can enable sexual harassment.
Negative policies: Negative or discriminatory legislative and policy frameworks can enable sexual harassment.
The Effect of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can have many negative effects on victims, including psychological, physical, and career-related effects. It can also create a hostile work environment that can negatively impact everyone in the workplace.
Psychological effects
Anxiety, depression, and stress: Victims may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and stress
Low self-esteem: Victims may feel a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth
Shame and guilt: Victims may feel shame, guilt, and self-blame
Panic attacks: Victims may experience panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of intense fear and anxiety
Suicidal ideation: Victims may experience thoughts of suicide
Physical effects
Headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances: Victims may experience headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances
Gastrointestinal distress: Victims may experience gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and weight loss or gain
Sexual problems: Victims may experience sexual problems and phobias
Career-related effects
Decreased job satisfaction: Victims may experience decreased job satisfaction and morale
Absenteeism: Victims may miss work more often
Unfavorable performance evaluations: Victims may receive unfavorable performance evaluations
Loss of job or promotion: Victims may lose their job or be denied a promotion
The Consequences of Sexual Harassment
Psychological effects
Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
Low self-esteem, shame, and feelings of powerlessness
Stress, fear, and feeling unsafe
Sleep disorders, nightmares, and lethargy
Headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and other physical symptoms
Physical effects
Weight loss or gain, sexual dysfunction, and other dermatological reactions
Phobias and panic reactions
Financial effects
Job loss, decreased job satisfaction, and lower pay
Absenteeism, unfavorable performance evaluations, and loss of promotion
Loss of retirement benefits and other financial consequences
Effects on relationships
Damage to interpersonal relationships at work
Insecurity, embarrassment, and feelings of betrayal
Guilt, self-blame, and isolation
Effects on the workplace
Creates a tense and unproductive work environment
Can lead to loss of talent, which can be costly to organizations
Consequences for the harasser
Referral for training or counseling
Written or verbal reprimand
Suspension, removal, demotion, or termination of employment possible lawsuit.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment is a behavior categorized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation. It is any unwanted behavior, physical or verbal that makes a reasonable person feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or mentally distressed.