Men in the Academy: A Psychological Profile of Harassers (From Sexual Harassment on College Campuses: Abusing the Ivory Power, Second Edition, P 81-113, 1996, Michele A Paludi, ed. -- See NCJ-164274)

• NCJ Number: 164281
• Author(s): S R Zalk
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 33 pages
• Sale Source: State University of New York Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: SUNY Series, The Psychology of Women

Annotation

This paper explores some of the psychological dynamics of male faculty members who relate sexually to female students, underscores the importance of institutional responsibility for sexual harassment, and suggests directions for reform.

Abstract

The academic setting is viewed as a microcosm of the larger society. Academic institutions are hierarchically structured, with students at the bottom of the hierarchy. The autonomy given to professors often gives them an exaggerated sense of self- importance, particularly in their interactions with students, and this imbalance of power exacerbates student vulnerability. Professors have different styles of relating to and interacting with students, and professors motivated to establish sexual liaisons with students use their roles as seduction ploys. All students should be empowered so that they know their rights and parameters of appropriate behavior for all institutional roles. The empowerment of female students is especially critical since women more than men experience the academic setting as hostile and disempowering. In addition, sexual harassment should be an open issue on campus. Faculty and administrators should educate students about sexual harassment and should implement policies and procedures to ensure students are not sexually harassed. A psychological profile of sexual harassers is presented that is based on male attitudes toward and beliefs about women, male psychology, and cultural norms. 17 references and 11 notes