Sexual harassment

Definition

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This behavior often reflects power dynamics and can occur in various settings, including workplaces and educational institutions. The impact of sexual harassment is profound, affecting individuals' mental health, work performance, and overall well-being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Street', sexual harassment is portrayed through the main character's experiences as she navigates a male-dominated society that objectifies and undermines her.
2. The novel illustrates the psychological toll of sexual harassment on women, revealing how it impacts their sense of safety and self-worth.
3. Petry uses her narrative to highlight systemic issues of power and control that perpetuate sexual harassment in urban settings.
4. The portrayal of sexual harassment in 'The Street' emphasizes the societal norms that enable such behavior and the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
5. This theme resonates with broader movements against sexual harassment, showcasing the struggles women face in seeking justice and equality.

Review Questions

• How does the portrayal of sexual harassment in 'The Street' reflect broader societal attitudes toward women during that time period?
  • 'The Street' showcases sexual harassment as a reflection of the patriarchal society in which women are often objectified and dismissed. The protagonist's encounters with male characters illustrate a systemic issue where women's autonomy is undermined by societal norms that accept such behavior. Petry's narrative serves as a critique of these attitudes, revealing how they contribute to a hostile environment for women in urban spaces.
• Discuss the psychological effects of sexual harassment as depicted in 'The Street' and their implications for the characters' development.
  • 'The Street' delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of sexual harassment on its characters. The protagonist faces feelings of fear, shame, and isolation due to her experiences. These effects hinder her ability to thrive and succeed in her environment. Petry emphasizes that such experiences not only affect individual characters but also reflect broader societal issues that perpetuate these harmful dynamics.
• Evaluate how Ann Petry addresses the theme of power dynamics in relation to sexual harassment in 'The Street', considering historical context.
  • 'The Street' critically evaluates power dynamics surrounding sexual harassment by illustrating how societal structures enable men to exert control over women. Petry connects these themes to historical context by highlighting how economic struggles exacerbate vulnerability for women. The narrative compels readers to consider the intersection of race, gender, and class within power structures, ultimately challenging them to reflect on ongoing issues related to sexual harassment in contemporary society.

Related terms

Consent: An agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity, which must be informed, voluntary, and mutual.

Workplace Bullying: Repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators, which may include verbal abuse and offensive conduct related to race, gender, or sexuality.

Gender Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person's gender, which can manifest in various forms, including pay disparity and hostile work environments.