Citation

Williams CL. Hypatia 2002; 17(2): 99-117.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Indiana University Press)

DOI

10.1111/j.1527-2001.2002.tb00768.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although many women experience harmful behaviors that fit the legal definition of sexual harassment, very few ever label their experiences as such. I explore how psychological ambivalence expressed as sadomasochism may account for some of this gap. Following Lynn Chancer, I argue that certain structural circumstances characteristic of highly stratified bureaucratic organizations may promote these psychological responses. After discussing two illustrations of this dynamic, I draw out the implications for sexual harassment theory and policy.