The Prevalence and Context of Sexual Harassment Among African American and White American Women

Abstract

Ethnic differences in the prevalence, type, and outcome of sexual harassment in various work and social settings were examined in a stratified community sample of 248 African American and White American women. Almost half of the women reported sexual harassment in work and social environments. Significant ethnic differences were found in the prevalence and type of sexual harassment and in victim characteristics in work settings. Single African American victims of harassment in social settings were significantly more likely to have incomes at or below the poverty level, compared to their White peers. The finding that significantly more White than African American women reported sexual harassment in a workplace contradicts previous research and suggests the need for further study with multiethnic populations. Future research needs to include a variety of private and public social settings. Factors that prevent women from taking action to remedy sexual harassment across settings should also be examined.