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Sexual Harassment During The 20th Century

Decent Essays

Workplace sexual harassment throughout the 20th century. Bularzik, M. (1978). Sexual harassment at the workplace: Historical notes. Somerville, MA: New England Free Press. The term “sexual harassment” was not coined until the mid- to late-1970s, but these crimes were being committed long before the inventive phrasing. Bularzik defines sexual harassment as any unwanted pressure for sexual activity. This can vary from suggestive comments, physical contact, to rape. At the time of her writing (1978), this was generally only perpetrated by men unto women, many times in the workplace. One of Bularzik’s main points states that men who commit sexual harassment are doing so because of dominance, and not necessarily because of the sexual interaction. In the workplace, for centuries, men have held the dominant role within their organization. But because so many men were fighting for the United States during World War II, women had to take over their jobs. When the men finally came home, they were surprised that these women were able to hold onto the jobs, and do a very good job to boot. However, many men did not see it this way; they saw women …show more content…

Hill paved the way for many women to come forward and speak out against sexual harassment actions that have taken place; for example, public allegations such as those against Bill Clinton and Bob Packwood. The implementation of laws since that 1991 case has developed into a specific black and white mold that defines sexual harassment. Hill’s testimonies against Thomas were not enough for his indictment, but they were enough for the United States to push forward on harsher punishments for those who commit sexual harassment not only in the workplace, but in open-society, as well. As one of the most prominent bodies in a workplace sexual harassment case, Anita Hill is a political and social figure that is, and will continue to be, a symbol of modern-day women’s

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