Sexual harassment can be broadly divided into two types: “consideration-type sexual harassment” and “environmental-type sexual harassment.” In many cases, perpetrators have no awareness of sexual harassment. Let’s deepen our understanding of sexual harassment that we may be unknowingly doing.
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Perpetrators are often unaware of it… Don’t do anything that could be suspected as sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment in the workplace focuses on how the victim feels . In order to officially determine whether or not sexual harassment is sexual harassment, it is necessary to confirm the facts and conduct an investigation . .
Even if the perpetrator does not recognize sexual harassment, if the recipient feels that it is sexual harassment, it is impossible to deny the recipient’s feelings. People have ten different feelings. It is difficult to draw the line where it is called sexual harassment. Therefore, it is important not to engage in behavior that could be suspected as sexual harassment.
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The difference between “compensatory sexual harassment” and “environmental sexual harassment”
According to the guidelines based on the Equal Employment Opportunity Law, there are two types of workplace sexual harassment: “compensation type” and “environmental type.”
■Remuneration-type sexual harassment Sexual harassment
is a form of sexual harassment that is disliked by the other party, and in return for being rejected or resisted, the employee is given disadvantages such as dismissal or refusal to renew the labor contract. For example, a person hired as a non-regular employee was forced to date by her superior, who has authority over personnel affairs, and after she refused, her superior’s attitude turned cold and he refused to renew his labor contract for the following year. In such a case, it becomes compensation-type sexual harassment.
■Environmental sexual
harassment Sexual harassment can make the work environment uncomfortable and can cause serious obstacles to work. For example, it is uncomfortable to be stared at, and it becomes painful to go to work. Sexual topics come up at work, so I can’t concentrate on my work. In such cases, it becomes environmental sexual harassment.
Three sweetness of recognition possessed by people who unconsciously sexually harass
In recent years, I feel that the awareness of sexual harassment prevention is increasing year by year, partly due to the influence of the “Me Too Movement”, but there are still many reports of sexual harassment. Why? This is influenced by the perpetrator’s lax perception of sexual harassment, as follows.
1. Knowledge of sexual harassment is not updated
Her range of sexual harassment changes with the times. If only actions such as dirty talk and touching the chest or buttocks are recognized as sexual harassment, it must be said that the perception is old-fashioned.
For example, judging someone’s appearance is called sexual harassment in this day and age. Even if it’s a compliment (you’re beautiful, you’re cute, etc.), many people feel that their appearance shouldn’t be related to their job.
In addition, criticizing others based on prejudice, such as “because you are a woman, you should act like a woman” or “because you are a man, you should work like a man” can also lead to sexual harassment. This is called “gender harassment,” and it is viewed as a problem as it creates sexual harassment.
2. She unconsciously abuses her superiority.
Her sexual harassment is an act that can abuse the perpetrator’s superiority, so it can also be “power harassment” at the same time.
For example, if you feel uncomfortable with your boss’s sexual jokes, then your boss is abusing his power to engage in “environmental sexual harassment.” Also, if you can’t turn down a personal invitation from someone in authority, it can be considered a combination of power harassment and “compensatory sexual harassment.”
3. Not aware of sexual harassment that arises from romantic feelings
. If you persistently invite someone to eat with this thought, you will be sexually harassed.
If you act enthusiastically because you like the other person, it may become a nuisance for the other person, so you want to be careful.
In order not to become a perpetrator of sexual harassment… Re-recognize that the workplace is a public place
It is necessary to always look back on one’s behavior from an objective point of view to see if there is sexual content in the act.
Most perpetrators do not intentionally engage in sexual harassment. As mentioned above, there are many cases of sexual harassment without being aware of it.
Earlier, I mentioned that it is important not to do anything that could be suspected as sexual harassment in order not to become a perpetrator. However, with this recognition alone, you may not know what to be careful about specifically.
Therefore, I often recommend that if a teacher does something to a student, they might say ‘unpleasant’ or ‘strange’ in the workplace. For example, what would the students think if the teacher did the following? ・
Speak intimately only to some students of the opposite sex・ Touch
the body of students of the opposite sex as a greeting Asking questions about the student’s relationship, such as “Is there anyone?”, “What is your favorite type?” If you do, you’ll feel sexual overtones in their behavior and you won’t be able to trust them. The workplace is also a public place, so you have to be careful as well. Human rights of all people must be respected in the workplace. The environment should not be one that threatens safety or interferes with one’s job duties . Again, sexual harassment is an act that is often carried out unconsciously. Each person needs to reflect on their daily lives and be careful not to do anything that could be suspected as sexual harassment.