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Abstract

This dissertation investigates the diverse attitudes and perceptions amongst university students regarding sexual harassment; specifically when the gender dynamics shift from female victims to male. It also explores whether students who study criminology hold different views compared to other students. Research into this topic is significant because it is a subject that is becoming increasingly normalised in day to day life, especially in higher educational institutions. Despite this, the existing research into sexual harassment statistics and suggestions to mitigate the issue focus predominantly on women as being the victim. Men’s experiences with sexual harassment is often overlooked or downplayed in comparison; prompting the investigation into the underlying reasons why.
Quantitative research methods were conducted through the online surveys, in order to collect data from university students. Participants were asked to rank on a Likert scale how serious they deem a range of scenarios depicting different forms of sexual harassment; the same scenario is presented twice but with the gender of the perpetrator and victim swapped. By using statistical analysis software, the results from the 156 respondents were analysed in order to establish whether overall people overlook the seriousness of sexual harassment against men. The results from Levene’s test found that students that study criminology overall deem sexual harassment to be more serious than students who study other subjects; emphasising the influence that education has on opinions and socialisation. Additionally, this study implied that men’s experiences are not given the same gravity as women’s. This highlights the need for further research to be conducted to ensure all genders feel comfortable to report sexual harassment without fear of being dismissed.

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14525.html