Overall, this study explores what part men can play in combatting sexual harassment, emphasizing that it is important not only to see men as perpetrators, but also as empowered bystanders. It argues that the #MeToo movement constitutes a potential instructive moment, presenting men with an opportunity to change.
Integrating theoretical analyses with empirical data from interviews with 25 Danish young men aged from 21 to 30 this study delves into men’s perception of sexual harassment. Focus is put on men's thoughts about changing discourses on sexual harassment in the aftermath of #MeToo. On a personal level, to what degree, if any, has #MeToo brought about new reflections and a change in behaviour towards women and other men? Have they themselves engaged in types of sexually aggressive behaviour? Particular attention is paid to whether the men talk with their peers about the issue of sexual harassment and whether they find it difficult to intervene when witnessing other men’s inappropriate comments and behaviour. Further, a focus is put on whether men are willing to try to create social change by taking an advocacy role and speak out about sexual harassment in public. The reason why the study examines these aspects more closely is that it is particularly interesting to find out what men are willing to do to stop sexual harassment and what holds men back from participating in this effort.

Authors:
Kenneth Reinicke, Roskilde University, Denmark

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Kenneth Reinicke is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Roskilde University in Denmark

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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