Institutional and cultural norms play an important role in shaping societal perceptions towards sexual coercion, which can range from subtle and unspoken expectations to explicit rules and laws. When it comes to issues related to sex, power dynamics between men and women are often influenced by these norms.
In many cultures, women are expected to be submissive and non-assertive when it comes to expressing their desires and boundaries, while men are supposed to take charge and initiate sexual encounters. This can lead to situations where women may feel pressured into having sex despite feeling unsure about it, resulting in what is considered sexual coercion. In some cases, legal frameworks may even support this type of behavior through loopholes that allow for marital rape or age-of-consent laws that fail to protect minors adequately.
One example of how institutional norms affect perceptions of sexual coercion is the prevalence of "rape culture" in college campuses across the US. According to research conducted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), nearly one in five women have experienced attempted or completed sexual assault during their time in higher education. The AAUW also found that 80% of students believe that there is a problem with sexual violence on college campuses but don't think they know enough about how to address it. These findings suggest that institutional practices, such as fraternity hazing rituals and alcohol consumption, contribute to a cultural environment where sexual assault is normalized and accepted.
These issues cannot be addressed without acknowledging underlying societal attitudes towards gender roles and consent, which perpetuate harmful beliefs around male entitlement and female submission.
Another way institutional and cultural norms impact perceptions of sexual coercion is through how people talk about it.
Many individuals who experience coercive tactics may not recognize them as such because they are accustomed to seeing them portrayed in popular media. Movies and TV shows often depict sexually aggressive men as charming or irresistible, while women who resist their advances are seen as prudish or unattractive. This narrative can lead victims of sexual coercion to question whether they were truly forced into a situation against their will, leading to confusion and self-doubt. It can also cause those who witness or hear about such behavior to excuse or minimize its severity, further perpetuating a culture of silence and denial.
Institutional and cultural norms shape society's understanding of what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior, including the definition of sexual coercion. As long as power imbalances exist between men and women, it's crucial for us to challenge our assumptions about gender roles and consent in order to create a safer, more equitable environment where all individuals feel empowered to express their desires and boundaries. By recognizing and addressing these factors, we can work together to reduce the prevalence of sexual assault and support survivors when they come forward with their experiences.
How do institutional and cultural norms affect perceptions of sexual coercion?
Institutional norms refer to shared expectations and guidelines within an organization that shape employee behavior and attitudes. These norms can influence how people perceive and respond to incidents of sexual coercion in the workplace. Cultural norms, on the other hand, are beliefs, values, and practices widely accepted by a group of individuals who share similar social identities, such as gender, race, ethnicity, and age.