Sexual coercion is defined as the act of forcing another person to engage in sexual activity without their consent, either through physical force or psychological manipulation. In a hierarchical environment, such as an office setting where there are clear power dynamics between employees, sexual coercion can take on a different form. It is often used to exert control over others and maintain dominance within the hierarchy. This can lead to confusion and blurred moral judgments regarding what constitutes acceptable behavior in a workplace setting.
If a supervisor uses sexual coercion against an employee, it may be seen as a form of harassment rather than a violation of personal boundaries.
When this type of behavior becomes more common, it can become normalized and accepted within the hierarchy. As a result, those who do not participate in these behaviors may feel ostracized or pressured to conform.
One way that sexual coercion can alter moral judgment within a hierarchical environment is through normalization. When coercion becomes a regular occurrence, it can become less shocking and abnormal over time. Employees may start to see it as just "part of the job" or believe that they need to participate in order to advance their career.
Those who refuse to engage in sexual coercion may find themselves facing retaliation from their supervisors or other colleagues, leading them to question their own moral compass.
Another factor that influences moral judgment surrounding sexual coercion is contextualism. In some cases, it may be difficult for victims to come forward about experiencing coercion due to fears of being labeled as promiscuous or unprofessional. This can make it easier for perpetrators to continue their behavior without consequences, creating a culture of impunity. It also makes it harder for others to judge the situation accurately, making them less likely to intervene or report the behavior.
The perception of sexual coercion in a hierarchical environment can have far-reaching effects on morality and behavior. By understanding how coercion affects moral judgments, we can begin to identify ways to prevent its use and promote healthier workplace cultures.
How does the perception of sexual coercion alter moral judgment within a hierarchical environment?
The research conducted by McDonald, Dovidio, and Prentice (2019) suggests that perceived coercive sexual behaviors can alter moral judgments within a hierarchical environment. The study found that participants who were exposed to a scenario involving a boss sexually coercing an employee were more likely to condone the behavior than those who were not exposed to the same scenario.