Sexual harassment in the workplace: definitions and prevention

Business Ethics -- Sexual Harassment

SEXUAL MORES and DIFFERENTIAL GENDER NORMS

One of the most common themes throughout Western social mores is the different sexual expectations assigned, practically as though by rule, to the two genders.

Generally, the origin of this feature of society has its roots in western religious influences

Verene, p. 87). Whereas males are encouraged to explore their sexuality from pubescence through adulthood, females are discouraged from doing the same and find themselves subjected to harsh moral criticism for doing what males are typically expected to do (Baker & Elliston, pp.77-9).

The inconsistent sexual mores preached by society fosters a sexual defensiveness or reluctance on the part of females and a corresponding predatory attitude on the part of males with respect to pursuing potential sexual conquests. Ironically, the same social norms that promote the illogical connection between female sexuality and immorality also contribute, in large part, to sexual conduct that is a genuine moral issue, both in the form of deceptive male behavior in connection with pursuing sexual conquests as well as in sexual harassment in the workplace. Legislative action has addressed sexual harassment only since the last few decades of the 20th century; truly resolving the problems resulting from promoting entirely different sexual mores based on gender has yet to be achieved.

Illusory Moral Issues vs. Genuine Moral Issues:

In most areas of American society, pursuing a goal by deceit and fraudulent statements is considered either a criminal matter or one giving rise to civil liability. One cannot enter into agreements with no intentions of honoring them, or take something under false pretenses, or advertise falsely for personal gain. However, whereas monetary transactions are protected from fraud and deceit, almost no degree of outright falsity or trickery is prohibited in the pursuit of sexual activity. Males of all ages routinely misrepresent their intentions with the specific hope of obtaining sexual consent from prospective female partners: typically, they feign sincerely romantic interest when their interest in the particular woman is strictly physical.

Instead of respecting how important many women consider an emotional connection as a prerequisite for sexuality, men disregard the very social mores they purport to value in their legitimate romantic interests (and for any females in their families) to exploit any conceivable opportunity to obtain sexual consent for their selfish purposes. Perhaps the most offensive element of this social dynamic is, precisely, that the same men prize chastity and even virginity in women as an ideal for their eventual life partners (Verene, p. 301).