Threatened Men More Likely to Sexual Harassment Women
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the last 20 years, sex discrimination claims made to the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the EEOC) are up about 10%. Yes, surely, part of the rise is likely due to increased reporting, however these numbers are also the result of changing gender dynamics in society, particularly women’s economic progress and independence in the past two decades. Moreover, the number of men making complaints of the sex discrimination are about 1 in 6, yet that fraction has been stable over the years, and does not do much to explain changes in the number of complaints
Such progress seemingly presents a threat to the men in the workplace and society in general. Because of the perceived or actual threat of women’s advancement and increased numbers in the workforce, sex discrimination is one way for men to reassert their dominance.
The Harvard Business Review, tested this hypothesis and found that sex discrimination spikes when men fall behind women in the workforce. Moreover, based on EEOC data on sex discrimination claims in each state and D.C. between 2009 and 2016, as well as official government unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the same years, only the increase in men’s unemployment — but not women’s — leads to more sex discrimination claims.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination when it would not have occurred but for the person’s gender. It is covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment is not mutual and is unwelcome. It is rude, demeaning behavior and is usually about the abuse of power. Moreover, it is important to note that one specific woman does not have to be the target, sexual harassment can psychologically hurt other the women involved and the work atmosphere too.
The Harvard Business Review’s evidenced based findings, show there is a real link verifying that sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace is a way to assert power and dominance. Because, men traditionally, have been the breadwinner in society, being a breadwinner is an important part of men’s gender identity. Where their identity is threatened, men assert their masculinity in other ways. Moreover, money is power, and when men are denied power in one area, they’ll try to claim it in another.
Further, there is incentive for men to create a hostile work environment by discriminating and sexually harassing women in the workplace in order to get their way. A different study showed that women are 9 times more likely than men to quit their jobs, 5 times more likely to transfer, and 3 times more likely to lose jobs because of harassment in the workplace. As such, by men sexually harassing women at work when they feel threatened, their sexual harassment might eventually mean the man gets his way when that the woman backs down or leaves.
How can this vicious cycle end? Women should stand up and assert their rights. If you feel like you need help or a way out contact the experienced New York City sexual harassment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. Our attorneys have years of experience litigating claims of gender discrimination. Working together with our Philadelphia sexual harassment attorneys, we have recovered millions on behalf of our clients who were discriminated against because of their gender. If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your gender, please give our attorneys a call at (800) 807-2209 for your free consultation.
Call today to schedule a FREE sexual harassment or employment discrimination legal Consultation in NY, NJ & PA with one of our top rated employment law or sexual harassment attorneys here at the Derek Smith Law Group. You can reach us online or by calling . Our New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia labor & employment law attorneys handle a variety of cases involving sexual harassment, racial discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and other employment-related claims. We serve clients throughout New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have offices in New Jersey and Philadelphia to serve you.
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