Despite all of the training efforts on sexual harassment that has taken place at workplaces in the United States over the last 20 years, the issue seems to be escalating. Over the last two decades, sex discrimination claims reported to the Federal Equal Opportunity Commission rose about 10 percent. Not only is this due to increased coverage, but to the changing gender dynamics in the workplace as well. Women’s progress toward economic parity could represent a threat to the way men understand their own roles at work and in society as a whole.
A recent test that backs up this theory found that when men fall behind women in the workforce, sex discrimination dramatically spikes. Based upon EEOC data on sex discrimination claims in every state between 2009 and 2016, as well as official government unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the same time period, results showed that the increase in men’s unemployment leads to more sexual discrimination claims in that particular state.
For example, when the unemployment rate for married men was two percent, the sex discrimination complaints filed in each U.S. state was -40. When the number of unemployed married men jumped to eight percent, the number of sex discrimination complaints filed in U.S. states rose to 101.
These findings help to show that sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace is a method of asserting power and control. Traditionally, being the breadwinner is a critical component of men’s – especially married men’s – gender identity, and when that role comes under threat, men try to assert their masculinity in other ways.
What To Do If You Suffered From Sexual Harassment at Work
- Read your company’s policy and the law on sexual harassment in your state or jurisdiction and print them out.
- Find out if your business has a policy that protects whistleblowers from retaliation.
- Write down any and all incidents of the harassment, including times and dates.
- Talk to any witnesses who may have seen the harassment.
- Contact an attorney
Bucks County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight for Your Rights
If you think you have been the victim of sex discrimination or sexual harassment at work, it is imperative to have a seasoned Bucks County sexual harassment lawyer on your side. Contact an attorney at The Gold Law Firm P.C. today by calling 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
