Abstract

FRIAS, Sonia M.. Sexual Harassment. The Case of a Law Enforcement Agency. Estud. sociol [online]. 2020, vol.38, n.112, pp.103-139.  Epub May 22, 2020. ISSN 2448-6442.  https://doi.org/10.24201/es.2020v38n112.1745.

This study examines sexual harassment (SH) among federal employees from a gender perspective. Prevalence of SH, people involved, reactions, repercussions, complaints and reasons why employees do not file a complaint or press charges are examined. SH is conceptualized as a mechanism for enhancing or protecting gender or/and hierarchical status at the workplace. 10% of participants experienced SH during the last year, mostly females. They are more prone to experience more SH behaviors and more frequently. Men are mostly harassed by other men. Reactions are contingent on respondent’s sex and SH dimensions involved. Most employees took passive strategies, and only 3% filed a complaint or pressed charges. Most employees alleged that the behavior or situation was irrelevant (25%) and were afraid of losing their jobs (36% in quid-pro-quo cases). Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.

Keywords : sexual harassment; workplace; Mexico; gender-based violence; discrimination; violence against women.

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