 | Gender Myths v. Working Realities: Using Social Science to Reformulate Sexual Harassment Law Subjects: Sexual harassment -- Law and legislation -- United States -- Sociological aspects; Law and the social sciences -- United States; Both the courts and the public seem confused about sexual harassment--what it is, how it functions, and what sorts of behaviors are actionable in court. Theresa M. Beiner contrasts perspectives from social scientists on the realities of workplace sexual harassment with the current legal standard. When it comes to sexual harassment law, all too often courts (and employers) are left in the difficult position of grappling with vague legal standards and little guidance about what sexual harassment is and what can be done to stop it. Often, courts impose their own stereotyped view of how women and men "ought" to behave in the workplace. This viewpoint, social science reveals, is frequently out of sync with reality. Beiner Theresa M : Theresa M. Beiner is professor of law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law. |
