Dynamics of Sexual Harassment for Policewomen Working Alongside Men

• NCJ Number: 224948
• Journal: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 485-498
• Author(s): Chaiyavej Somvadee; Merry Morash
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of sexual harassment in contemporary United States police departments where sexual harassment and antidiscrimination policies have been in effect for decades and women have been integrated into work groups for many years. It examines the frequency of harassment behaviors and women’s labeling of harassment behaviors, as well as a women’s standpoint on male coworkers’ behaviors that made them feel uncomfortable, their reactions, and the reasons for their reactions.

Abstract

Responses to the Sexual Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) found that participants were especially concerned about male colleagues’ view that women could not “do the job.” Sexual harassment policies and the integration of women into work groups with men influenced how women viewed and reacted to discomforting behaviors. The findings are found to be consistent with those from a broader national sample and international research. As the participation of women in the workforce has grown over time, sexual harassment has received much attention. It is clear from a broad literature review that sexual harassment of women police officers by their male colleagues deserves continued attention in research. The aim of this study was to examine the sexual harassment experience of United States policewomen by using the SEQ and asking them to describe incidents in which male colleagues’ behavior made them uncomfortable. The study seeks to identify areas of discomfort and patterns of response in the context of current harassment policies. The study sample consisted of 117 female law enforcement officers in the United States. It examines the frequency of harassment behaviors and women’s labeling of harassment behaviors, as well as a women’s standpoint on male coworkers’ behaviors that made them feel uncomfortable, their reactions, and the reasons for their reactions. Tables, references