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Sexual Harassment and Sadomasochism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2020

Christine L. Williams
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Abstract

Although many women experience harmful behaviors that fit the legal definition of sexual harassment, very few ever label their experiences as such. I explore how psychological ambivalence expressed as sadomasochism may account for some of this gap. Following Lynn Chancer, I argue that certain structural circumstances characteristic of highly stratified bureaucratic organizations may promote these psychological responses. After discussing two illustrations of this dynamic, I draw out the implications for sexual harassment theory and policy.

Type
Research Article
Information
Hypatia , Volume 17 , Issue 2: Special Issue: Love and Work , Spring 2002 , pp. 99 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 by Hypatia, Inc.

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