Who do you think is more likely to be sexually harassed in the workplace?
a. a woman who displays stereotypically female characteristics such as deference and warmth; or
b. a woman who displays stereotypically male characteristics like assertiveness and dominance?
If you guessed "b" you would be right, at least according to a study discussed in the media this past week. The study found that independent, assertive women were more likely to experience sexual harassment in the workplace than women who were generally more deferential. This was particularly so in male-dominated workplaces. Why is this occurring? Well, according to the study, women who assert themselves in the workplace and demonstrate leadership qualities are threatening to some men's "sense of security and status" leading to these men feeling the need to reassert their dominance over such women. The reassertion of dominance manifests itself in sexual harassment including sexual comments, unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion. In effect, then, sexual harassment is the hostile response of some men toward those women who assert themselves in the workplace.
The results of this study are important because they dispel the notion that women who are more demure or less likely to speak out in the workplace are the ones who are the more likely targets of sexual harassment. In addition, the study highlights the true motivators behind sexual harassment. Finally, the results also underscores the need for employers to ensure all of their female employees, from the entry level positions to the very upper ranks, are adequately protected against sexual harassment.
Further reading:
"The Sexual Harassment of Uppity Women", study by Jennifer Berdahl, University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management
"Assertive women face sexual harassment", CanWest news service, November 1, 2007
"True face of sexual harassment", Toronto Star, November 3, 2007
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