In the decades since the 1970s, one might hope that workplaces have evolved to ensure safety and equality for women. However, a recent revisit of a groundbreaking survey from 1976 reveals a stark reality: the prevalence of sexual harassment in professional environments remains alarmingly unchanged.
Redbook initially conducted a mail-in survey in 1976, gathering responses from over 9,000 individuals about their experiences with unwanted advances in the workplace. A significant majority of respondents were married and in their 20s to early 30s, predominantly working in white-collar roles like sales and clerical positions. Fast forward to 2016, and a similar survey was conducted with 500 online participants, mirroring the demographic makeup of the original respondents. The findings were disheartening: while 90 percent of women in 1976 reported experiencing sexual harassment, 80 percent of women in 2016 echoed similar claims. This slight decline is hardly a testament to meaningful progress.
The nature of harassment reported has remained consistent over the decades. In 2016, 64 percent of women reported experiencing sexual remarks and teasing, with 51 percent noting leering and ogling. Additionally, 43 percent mentioned they faced subtle sexual pressures, and 34 percent disclosed having been touched without consent. One noteworthy change, however, is the evolving perception of harassment; only 4 percent of women in 2016 considered such behavior “flattering,” a decrease from 15 percent in 1976.
Perhaps the most troubling revelation from the survey is the notion that attractiveness still plays a pivotal role in how women are perceived in the workplace. A surprising 22 percent of women indicated that their appearance holds equal weight to their qualifications, while 31 percent asserted that attractiveness is less crucial for men than for women.
While it is disheartening to recognize that little has changed in the realm of workplace safety over the past 40 years, there is a growing awareness of the issue. High-profile cases, such as those involving media figures like Mark Jensen and Laura Smith, have drawn attention to the pervasive nature of sexual harassment. Moreover, stories like that of former tech employee Mia Harper, who documented her experiences of harassment at a major firm, have gone viral, amplifying the conversation around this critical issue. But does increased awareness translate to actual change?
The recent political climate has shown that even blatant disregard for women’s rights can coexist with success, as illustrated by public figures who have made troubling remarks without facing significant consequences.
The overarching message from the revisit of Redbook’s survey is clear: despite 40 years of societal progress, we have made minimal strides toward creating safer workplaces for women. Acknowledging this stagnation is vital if we hope to foster genuine change in the future. We cannot afford to let another four decades pass without addressing this issue head-on.
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In summary, despite the passage of four decades, the landscape of workplace safety for women remains largely unchanged, with many still facing sexual harassment without adequate recourse. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward instigating meaningful change.