Abstract
This study assessed the influence of two subject variables, gender and gender role, and one contextual variable, power of the harasser, on perceptions of sexual harassment in an academic context. Fifty-one white males and 73 white females evaluated a series of vignettes depicting a range of behavioral interactions. When the harasser was a higher power individual, vignettes were more likely to be viewed as examples of sexual harassment, male characters were perceived more negatively, and female characters were perceived more favorably. Female respondents rated the male characters less favorably than did the male respondents, although there were no gender differences in the number of vignettes interpreted as sexual harassment. Subtle differences in the way males and females interpret harassment behaviors are examined and discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bem, S. (1974). The measurement of psychological androgyny. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42, 155–162.
Bem, S. (1975). Sex role adaptability: One consequence of psychological androgyny. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 31, 634–643.
Bem, S. (1981). Bem Sex-Role Inventory: Professional manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
Bursik, K. (1991). Correlates of women's adjustment during the separation and divorce process. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 14, 137–162.
Collins, E., & Blodgett, T. (1981, March-April). Sexual harassment: Some see it ... some don't. Harvard Business Review, pp. 77–95.
Fitzgerald, L., & Ormerod, A. (1991). Perceptions of sexual harassment. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 15, 281–294.
Frable, D. (1989). Sex typing and gender ideology: Two facets of the individual's gender psychology that go together. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 95–108.
Gutek, B. (1982). A psychological examination of sexual harassment. In B. Gutek (Ed.), Sex role stereotyping and affirmative action policy. Los Angeles: University of California, Institute of Industrial Relations.
Gutek, B., Nakamura, C., Gahart, M., Handschumacher, I., & Russell, D. (1980). Sexuality and the workplace. Basic and Applied Psychology, 1, 225–265.
Hughes, J., & Sandler, B. (1986). In case of sexual harassment: A guide for women students. Project on the Status and Education of Women, Association of American Colleges.
Kenig, S., & Ryan, J. (1986). Sex differences in levels of tolerance and attribution of blame for sexual harassment on a university campus. Sex Roles, 15, 535–549.
Lenney, E. (1979). Androgyny: Some audacious assertions toward its coming of age. Sex Roles, 5, 703–719.
Lester, D., Banta, B., Barton, J., Elian, N., Mackiewicz, L., & Winkelried, J. (1986). Judgements about sexual harassment: Effects of the power of the harasser. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 63, 990.
Littler-Bishop, S., Seidler-Feller, D., & Opaluch, R. (1982). Sexual harassment in the workplace as a function of initiator's status: The case of airline personnel. Journal of Social Issues, 38, 137–148.
Lott, B., Reilly, M. E., & Howard, D. (1982). Sexual assault and harassment: A campus community case study. Signs, 8, 296–319.
Popovich, P., & Licata, B. (1987). A role model approach to sexual harassment. Journal of Management, 13, 149–161.
Popovich, P., Licata, B., Nokovich, D., Martelli, T., & Zoloty, S. (1986). Assessing the incidence and perceptions of sexual harassment behaviors among American undergraduates. Journal of Psychology, 120, 387–396.
Powell, G. (1986). Effects of sex role identity and sex on definitions of sexual harassment. Sex Roles, 14, 9–19.
Pryor, J. (1985). The lay person's understanding of sexual harassment. Sex Roles, 13, 273–278.
Pryor, J., & Day, J. (1988). Interpretations of sexual harassment: An attributional analysis. Sex Roles, 18, 405–417.
Reilly, M. E., Lott, B., & Gallogly, S. (1986). Sexual harassment of university students. Sex Roles, 15, 333–358.
Taylor, M., & Hall, J. (1982). Psychological androgyny: Theories, methods, and conclusions. Psychological Bulletin, 92, 347–366.
Terpstra, D., & Baker, D. (1986). Psychological and demographic correlates of perception of sexual harassment. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 112, 459–478.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bursik, K. Perceptions of sexual harassment in an academic context. Sex Roles 27, 401–412 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289948
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289948