"FROM #METOO TO POLICY REFORM: TRACING THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT"
Abstract
Sexual harassment has persisted in corporate America and government spheres for over half a century, with its legal underpinnings rooted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, what distinguishes the current era is the heightened visibility of these abuses of power in mainstream media. Yet, compliance and accountability have often been lacking. Recent high-profile cases involving figures like Harvey Weinstein and the harassment endured by Gretchen Carlson at Fox News underscore this pervasive issue. These incidents resonate alongside historic events like the Bill Clinton controversies and the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings during his Supreme Court nomination. While these represent only a fraction of cases, they garnered substantial media attention. Notably, over 22,000 cases of sexual harassment were reported to the EEOC annually from 2010 to 2016, raising the question of how many incidents remain unreported. The labor force participation rate for females remained at 56% in both 1990 and 2016.
This paper delves into the legal evolution of sexual harassment, its definition, notable cases, and its profound impacts on both individuals, particularly females, and the companies they work for. It endeavors to address critical questions: How does sexual harassment affect female employees within companies? And, in turn, how does it impact a company's productivity and, ultimately, its bottom line?
