Emile Durkheim: The division of labor is not a system of mechanical solidarity, but one of organic solidarity, where social norms and values are crucial for cohesion. Sexual harassment disrupts this cohesion and impacts organizational stability.
Conflict Theory: Sexual harassment is analyzed as an expression of power dynamics and social inequality. It represents how dominant groups (often men) exploit their position to maintain control over subordinate groups (often women), reflecting broader societal conflicts over resources, status, and power. Harassment thus serves to reinforce existing hierarchies and economic disparities.
Karl Marx: The struggle between the ruling class and the working class is a fundamental aspect of social relations. Sexual harassment in the workplace reflects the broader power dynamics and economic inequalities between men and women.
Symbolic Interactionism: This theory focuses on how sexual harassment is constructed and understood through daily interactions. It examines how harassment is defined by societal norms and personal experiences, and how these definitions influence individuals’ behaviors, self-perceptions, and social interactions within the workplace. It also looks at the impact of harassment on workplace culture and individual identities.
Herbert Blumer: Social reality is constructed through interactions and shared meanings. Sexual harassment is understood and defined through these interactions, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to it in the workplace.
Feminist Theory: From this perspective, sexual harassment is seen as a manifestation of patriarchal power structures that perpetuate gender inequality. It highlights how harassment is used to enforce gender roles and maintain male dominance in the workplace. Feminist theory also explores how intersecting identities (such as race, class, and sexuality) influence the experience and impact of harassment.
Judith Butler: Gender is performative and constructed through repeated actions and discourses. Sexual harassment is a manifestation of patriarchal norms that reinforce gender inequality and the subjugation of women.”
Nandini Sundar: Sexual harassment in the workplace reflects deep-seated gender inequalities and power imbalances in Indian society. Addressing this issue requires systemic changes in both legal frameworks and cultural attitudes towards gender.
M.N. Srinivas:The persistence of sexual harassment in Indian workplaces is linked to entrenched social hierarchies and traditional gender norms. Social transformation is necessary to challenge these deeply embedded structures and promote gender equality."
A.R. Desai: The issue of sexual harassment in Indian workplaces cannot be separated from broader socio-economic factors. It reflects the intersections of class, caste, and gender, which necessitates a multifaceted approach to address the problem.
Normalization of Power Imbalances: Sexual harassment perpetuates and reinforces gender hierarchies, demonstrating and entrenching the unequal power dynamics between men and women in society. It perpetuates patriarchal norms and maintains women's subordinate status.
Shifts in Social Norms: Persistent exposure to sexual harassment can challenge traditional social norms and catalyze shifts toward more progressive attitudes about gender roles and workplace behavior.
Gender Stereotypes: Sexual harassment perpetuates traditional gender stereotypes by reinforcing the idea that men are dominant and women are subordinate. This deepens the societal divide between expected roles and behaviors for different genders.
Normalization of Misogyny: Persistent harassment normalizes misogynistic attitudes and behaviors, embedding them within institutional cultures and social practices, which can perpetuate systemic gender inequality.
Challenging Traditional Norms: The exposure of sexual harassment can challenge entrenched cultural norms and provoke societal debates about gender roles, power dynamics, and workplace behavior. This can lead to shifts towards more egalitarian attitudes.
Generational Effects: The impact of sexual harassment can have long-term effects on future generations, shaping how young people perceive gender roles and workplace norms, potentially influencing future social and cultural attitudes.
