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An American report on sexual harassment in school surveyed students from the 8th to 11th grade (ages 14-17). It found that four of five students - female and male - had experienced some type of sexual harassment in school. Indeed, according to the report, “sexual harassment - words and actions - in school happens often, occurs under teachers' noses, can begin in elementary school, and is very upsetting to both girls and boys”. In sum: "Sexual harassment is part of everyday life for boys and girls at school." (1) A second report on sexual harassment on campus surveyed college students (ages 18-24). It found that “nearly two-thirds of college students say they have encountered some type of sexual harassment while at college” and that “nearly one-third of students say they have experienced physical harassment, such as being touchend, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way.” Finally, the report stated that “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are more likely than heterosexual students to be sexually harassed.” (2)
It is unclear whether one can draw general conclusions from these findings. For example, respondents in a national sex survey in Finland were asked whether they had been sexually harassed before the age of 18. The overall pattern proved to be similar in both the Finnish and American studies: Female and homosexual male adolescents had been subjected to more harassment than heterosexual males of the same age. However, the actual figures were very different: Only 17% of the women and 8% of the men reported such experiences. On the other hand, many of them had been harassed not only by one, but by several people (boyfriends, girlfriends, other boys and girls, adults).
The present divergent data could very well reflect some significant cultural differences between the US and Europe, not only with regard to the behavior itself, but also to the way it is perceived by the respondents and studied.by the researchers., It may very well be that some cultures are sexually more aggressive than others. It may also be that some are more sensitive to the entire issue of sexual harassment. Finally, the various research instruments used in different countries often do not allow valid comparisons.
(1) AAUW: Hostile Hallways - Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harassment in School (2001).
For the full text click here.
(2) AAUW: Drawing the Line - Sexual Harassment on Campus (2006). For details click here.
Sexual harassment in Finland
The graph shows the percentage of female and male teenagers under 18 who were sexually harassed by various persons.
Source: O. Kontula and E. Haavio-Mannila, Sexual Pleasures - Enhancement of Sex Life in Finland, 1971-1992, Chapter 11. For the full text of the survey, click here. |
