There are many different types of legal frameworks that can influence experiences of harassment and discrimination. These include laws related to workplace harassment, hate crimes, civil rights, and equal opportunity. Each framework has its own set of protections and restrictions that can affect how individuals experience harassment and discrimination.
Anti-discrimination laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on factors like race, gender, religion, disability, age, or national origin. This means that an employee who is targeted for harassment or discrimination based on one of these factors may have legal recourse to file a complaint or lawsuit against their employer. Similarly, workplace harassment laws protect employees from being subjected to hostile or offensive conduct at work.
In addition to formal legal frameworks, informal social norms and cultural expectations can also shape experiences of harassment and discrimination. These norms and expectations may be more difficult to identify and challenge than legal frameworks because they are often unspoken or implicit. Nevertheless, they still play a significant role in shaping how individuals perceive and respond to incidents of harassment and discrimination.
Certain communities may place a high value on conformity to traditional gender roles, which can make it difficult for people who do not fit into those roles (such as LGBTQ+ individuals) to feel safe and supported. In other cases, cultures may prioritize the preservation of social harmony over individual justice, which can lead to a reluctance to speak out about instances of abuse or exploitation.
Legal frameworks and cultural norms both play important roles in shaping experiences of harassment and discrimination. By understanding the different types of protections offered by various legal frameworks and identifying the underlying assumptions behind cultural norms, we can begin to create environments where everyone feels safe and respected.
How do legal frameworks influence experiences of harassment and discrimination?
According to researchers, legal frameworks can shape people's perceptions and reactions towards harassment and discrimination. In countries with strong legal protections against harassment and discrimination, such as the United States, victims may be more likely to report incidents and pursue justice because they believe that their rights are being violated and that there is a system in place to support them.