Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pablo Borbon Main II Batangas City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE & FINE ARTS

Department

MADLANG-AWA, JANN VYNCENT

MANDIGMA, HAROLD
MARUNDAN, RADGE SEMBERLIN
VILELA, VINCENT PAUL
BSICE - 1105

GEd 102: MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

THE FACTORS SPURRING THE SOCIETY FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

DECEMBER 2020
I. Background of the Study

Sexual harassment can be described as any uninvited sexual impropriety

or sex discrimination in any kind of environment. In addition to that, it is not
hardly a thing of the past. In fact, it has became more appealing in this
present generation. One in every three women in the world is exposed to
physical and/or sexual violence from a partner or sexual violence from
another person (UN Women, 2019; WHO, 2013). It is illegal to harass people
about their sex. Badgering includes sexual harassment or unwanted sexual
progress, demands for sexual favors and other forms of verbal or physical
harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment is associated with increased risk
of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as
diminished self-esteem, self-confidence, and psychological well-being (Pryor
and Fitzgerald, 2003).

Sexual harassment can incorporate offensive comments about a

person's sex which includes sexually determined unwanted behavior such as
physical contact and progress, appearing pornography and sexual demands
whether by words or actions. Sexual harassment includes behaviors ranging
from offensive materials in the workplace to sexual comments and
inappropriate touching (Osman, 2004). For instance, it is illegal to annoy a
lady with hostile comments, applying it to all races, in general. Such conduct
can be humiliating and may constitute a well being and security issue. It is
unfair when a person in such, has a sensitive ground to accept that help
complaint would be a disadvantage to her in connection with her work,
including enrollment or advancement or when it makes a threatening work
environment. According to Ganoon et. al, (2009), lewd behavior has been
perceived as a significant issue in the writing in the course of recent years.
The diverse hypothetical points of view and models of inappropriate behavior
(sociocultural, authoritative, sex-job overflow, normal/ natural,
socio-intellectual, and four-factor) are moreover thought of and surveyed.
Hence, nine out of ten of the world’s countries have laws against sexual
harassment in working life today, but almost six out of ten lack adequate laws
against sexual harassment in higher education and schools (Tavares and
Wodon, 2018). With this very alarming statistics, sexual harassment should
be given more emphasis than what the government is doing today. It is an
issue that should be given focus on because life is being apprehended as
well as a human being’ safety. Everyone is entitled for their minds and body.
Thus, spurring someone in any form isn’t what the society is established for.

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II. Statement of the Problem

In this study, the researchers aim to identify and investigate the

perception of the people in the society about sexual harassment. Hence, a
questionnaire will be used by the researchers to conduct the online survey.

The paper seeks to find and the answers to the following:

1) What is/are the most effective way/s on how to mitigate sexual

harassment?

a) Social awareness
b) Discipline in one self
c) Corresponding penalty for serious offenders

2) What are the markers and factors that drive a person to harass
someone sexually?

a) Superiority
b) Clothing
c) Unenforced and loose laws and regulations

3) How well do college students become aware of sexual

harassment?

III. Literature Review

Using the concept of gender-based violence as a framework for

understanding gender harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, date
rape violence and other forms of gender violence, issues are being heard.
(Latcheva, 2017). In other words, sexual harassment is part of a continuum of
different forms of actual and potential forms of gender-based violence
residing in higher education systems, ranging from bullying and sexist jargon
to sexual abuse and rape. This is also in line with the current understanding
promoted in a large-scale evaluation of national incentives on sexual
harassment everywhere (SWG GRI, 2020).

Victimization of women by men in almost all societies has been the focus
of academic interest and research for many years (Brownwiller et. al, 2002).
The most common and severe forms of violence against women include: rape,
intimate partner violence, sexual coercion, sexual abuse by non-intimate

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partners, trafficking, forced prostitution, and exploitation of labor (Watts &
Zimmerman, 2002). Potential perpetrators are many and can include spouses
and partners, parents, other family members, colleagues, and men in
positions of power or influence. Violence is a sensitive subject for many, and
this may be the reason why it is almost universally under-reported (UNFPA,
2007; Watts & Zimmerman, 2002). However, prevalence statistics suggest
that millions of women are experiencing violence or having to live with its
consequences on an everyday basis (WHO, 2008).

Women are quite affected by harassers, and, thus, the harassers

proceed against them with sexual overtones. This makes the psychological
harassment develop to sexual harassment (Caniato & Lima, 2008). However,
the literature refers sexual harassment to men being the harassers and
women being the victims, any subject, regardless sexual orientation, may be
harassed (Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, 2013). According to Kumar
(2012), in gender based harassment, women are the victim of harassment
(i.e. sexual harassment at workplaces). Most of the time such kind of
harassment remains unreported because of the fear of being imputed by a
social circle and above all, ignorance of legal remedies play a pivotal role in
worsening this situation. In case of sexual harassment, the harasser is in a
position of power or authority.

Violence against women has historically been silenced, overlooked or

condoned. However, after decades of advocacy and programming by
women’ s movements and feminist activists, this issue is now the focus of
international and national public debate (Michau et al., 2015). It is now widely
recognized as a fundamental violation of human rights, and a problem with
considerable social and economic cost to individuals, communities and
countries. According to Bondestam & Lundqvist (2000), sexual harassment is
an epidemic throughout global higher education systems and impact
individuals, groups and entire organizations in profound ways. Precarious
working conditions, hierarchical organizations, a normalization of
gender-based violence, toxic academic masculinities, a culture of silence and
a lack of active leadership are all key features enabling sexual harassment.

Harassment has defined its presence in the workplace as a form of sex

discrimination. Its presence in others environement, including schools and
universities has since been documented (Hester and Lilley, 2016). As said by
Campbell (2015), sexual harassment is really not about sex. It is about power
and aggression and manipulation. It is an abuse of power problem.

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IV. Data to be Collected

The researchers used a self-made survey questionnaire in collecting data.

The questionnaire included the data for the demographic profile of the
respondents mainly, their age and gender. The survey contained questions
that cover the factors spurring society for sexual harassment. Hence, it also
aimed to evaluate on how knowledgeable and aware the respondents are as
well as the scope of their point of view, as college students, in the field of
sexual harassment.

V. Methods of Data Collection and Data Gathering Instrument

The major source of data collection is a survey. A scale questionnaire

was used for data collection. Hence, various kinds of social media platforms
were provided online to the respondents and the researchers to ensure that
all the necessary information were completed in the easiest and most
accessible way as possible before proceeding to the gathered data tally.
Before it was interpreted, the collected data underwent profound research
and analysis. Using different methods such as email communication, survey,
and social media communications, data was collected.

Upon the approval of the topic for the research, the researchers
performed an in-depth study to enhance their understanding to address the
issue. The Internet provided researchers with knowledge that is very much
required for this analysis. In order to collect the data needed to know the main
factors of the society for sexual abuse, the researchers had prepared a scale
questionnaire.The questionnaire was disseminated in different social media
platforms that the students could quickly access. It will be distributed to thirty
respondents (30) that are in college. Researchers had maintained anonymity
of the respondent's replies, so a person's awareness may also influence their
fairness and efficacy in reacting to the questionnaire, and so the researcher
had given the respondents an opportunity to be anonymous.

VI. Data Gathering Procedure

As the project tackles about the said factors and the other reasons that
spur the society for sexual harassment, the proponents of the topic sought
data and information via the internet and other reliable sources. The
researchers ensured the credibility, timeliness, and relevance of the sources
and statistics being proposed. In addition, they also conducted a survey
through different social media platforms to all the respondents who are willing

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 to partake in the study and satisfy the given condition. The survey was carried
out as some data found on the internet are only limited and were inadequate
for the paper. Analyzing the data took place afterward by presenting
statistical reports and charts. Finally, the proponents interpreted the obtained
findings to give further explanation and conclusion of the information.

VII. Method of Analyses

The proponents of the study analyzed, interpreted, and presented the

data gained from survey questionnaires through the aid of different social
media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Weighted Mean was used to calculate the average outcome out of a

number of probabilities. Instead of each data having equal weight, they are
multiplied based on their respective values and summed up to divide with the
total number of respondents.
Weighted Mean

凐Ꮥ

Where as:
WM = Weighted Mean
W = weight
F = frequency
∑fw = total weighted frequency
n = number of respondents

The following is the counterpart of each interval to ensure the

correct representation of all measured weighted mean:
Scale Statistical Limit Verbal Interpretation
4 3.26-4.00 Strongly Agree
3 2.51-3.25 Agree
2 1.76-2.50 Strongly Disagree
1 1.00-1.75 Disagree

VIII. Discussion

i. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Table 1. Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Respondents

According to Gender

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 Gender Frequency Percentage
Female 19 63.33%
Male 11 36.67%
Total 30 100%

In this table, the gender of the respondents was shown and it indicated
that the majority of them are female with 63.33% and the remaining
36.67% are male.

Table 2. Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the Respondents

According to Age

Age Frequency Percentage

18 8 26.67%
19 22 73.33%
Total 30 100%

Table 2 showed the age of the respondents who answered the

questionnaire. The data showed that 19 years old was the leading age
with a percentage of 73.33% and a frequency of 22 and for the 18 years
old, they had the frequency of 8 out of 30 which is 26.67%.

ii. Perceptions of College Students About Sexual Harassment

Table 3. How to Avoid Sexual Harassment

QUESTION
SA A SD D TOTAL Xw INTERVAL INTERPRETATION
NUMBER

STRONGLY
1 23 7 0 0 113 3.77 3.26 - 4.00
AGREE

2 10 17 3 0 97 3.23 2.51 - 3.25 AGREE

STRONGLY
3 18 8 4 0 104 3.47 3.26 - 4.00
AGREE
STRONGLY
4 26 4 0 0 116 3.87 3.26 - 4.00
AGREE
STRONGLY
5 25 4 0 1 113 3.77 3.26 - 4.00
AGREE

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 It is shown in Table 3 that the statement "You should interfere or report
harassing conduct if you see something offensive" in item 4 has the highest mean
of three point eighty-seven (3.87) with a "Strongly Agree" interpretation while the
statement "Consider the influence you might have on the behaviors and attitudes,
health and self-esteem of others" in item 2 has the lowest mean of three point
twenty-three (3.23) with an "Agree" interpretation.

Table 4. Factor of Sexual Harassment

QUESTION
SA A SD D TOTAL Xw INTERVAL INTERPRETATION
NUMBER

1 15 8 5 2 96 3.2 2.51 - 3.25 AGREE

2 11 14 2 3 93 3.1 2.51 - 3.25 AGREE

3 9 10 7 4 84 2.8 2.51 - 3.25 AGREE

STRONGLY
4 4 6 12 7 67 2.23 1.76 - 2.50
DISAGREE

5 7 18 3 2 90 3 2.51 - 3.25 AGREE

It is shown in Table 4 that the statement "Men who believe that they are
superiors" in item 1 has the highest mean of three point two (3.2) with an "Agree"
interpretation while the statement "Women look sexy, they invite sexual
advances" in item 4 has the lowest mean of two point twenty-three (2.23) with a
"Strongly Disagree" interpretation.

In conclusion, the researchers’ project proposal had addressed the

problem through drawing out the most effective ways to mitigate sexual
harassment. Hence, the researchers also made an in-depth research about the
different sides and point of view about the said topic that everyone should be
aware about. Sexual harassment is not a joke. While to some it may seem like a
harmless joke or horseplay, it deprives others of dignity and equality. There is no
quick fix, one-size-fits all solution to sexual harassment. Instead, real and lasting
change will require targeted responses, informed by research. Different
workplace and industry policies, legal structures, cultures, and norms across
industry sectors powerfully shape the experience of sexual harassment and need
to guide the response to it. You do not have to tolerate sexual harassment. You
have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. You should settle for nothing
less because further harassment cannot just be determined in a single
environment. It can occur everywhere. Always be safe. Keep your heads up and
maintain a keen eye. Predators always attack in the most unorthodox ways.

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References:

(UN Women 2019; WHO 2013). Facts and figures: Ending violence against
women. Retrieved December 23, 2020. https://www.unwomen.org/en/
what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

(Pryor and Fitzgerald 2003). The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Depressive

Symptoms During the Early Occupational Career. Retrieved December 24,
2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3227029/

(Osman 2004).Stop Violence Against Women Sexual Harassment.

Retrieved December 24, 2020http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/harassm
ent/explore/1whatis.htm

(Ganoon T.D. et. al, 2009).Workplace Harassment: Quid Pro Quo Sexual
Harassment vs. a Hostile Work Environment.Retrieved December 20,
2020. https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/quid-pro-quo-sexual-h
arassment

(Tavares and Wodon, 2018). Sexual harassment in higher education – a

systematic review. Retrieved December 22, 2020.https://www.tandfonli
ne.com/doi/full/10.1080/21568235.2020.1729833

(Latcheva 2017). Sexual harassment in higher education – a systematic

review. Retrieved December 22, 2020. https://www.tandfonline.com/do
i/full/10.1080/21568235.2020.1729833

(SWG GRI 2020). Sexual harassment in higher education – a systematic

review. Retrieved December 22, 2020. https://www.tandfonline
.com/doi/full/10.1080/21568235.2020.1729833

(Brownwiller et. al, 2002). Women, Gender and Victimization. Retrieved

December 24, 2020. https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/95769_book_item_95769.pdf

(World Health Organization, 2008). Violence Against Women.Retrieved

December 23, 2020. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/
detail/violence-against-women

(Caniato & Lima, 2008). Sexual Harassment at Work: A Systematic Review of

Literature. Retrieved December 23, 2020. http://www.scielo.edu.uy/pdf/cp

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 /v12n1/en_1688-4221-cp-12-01-25.pdf

(Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, 2013) . Sexual Harassment at Work: A

Systematic Review of Literature. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
http://www.scielo.edu.uy/pdf/cp/v12n1/en_1688-4221-cp-12-01-25.pdf

(Kumar, 2012). Sexual harassment is everywhere. Retrieved December 21, 2020.

https://www.newamerica.org/better-life-lab/reports/sexual-harassment-sever
e- and-pervasive-problem/summary-of-findings/

(Michau et al., 2015). Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Retrieved
December 21, 2020.https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources
/literature-review- ending-violence-against-women-and-girls.pdf

(Bondestam F. & Lundqvist M., 2000). Sexual harassment in higher

education – a systematic review. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339354927_Sexual_harassment
_in_higher_education_- _a_systematic_review

Appendix (Questionnaire)
How to Avoid Sexual Harassment
4-Strongly Agree 2-Strongly Disagree
3-Agree 1- Disagree
_____1. Encourage the handling of sexual harassment with clear rules, laws
and disciplinary procedures.
_____2. Consider the influence you might have on the behaviors and attitudes,
health, and self-esteem of others.
_____3. Do not assume that sexually-oriented remarks, jokes, or stories are
tolerated by friends, peers, workers, or students.
_____4. You should interfere or report harassing conduct if you see
something offensive.
_____5. Don't sit on it or hope it goes away if you're exposed to some rude,
disrespectful or serious misconduct.
Factors of Sexual Harassment
4-Strongly Agree 2- Strongly Disagree
3-Agree 1-Disagree
_____1. Men who believe that they are superiors.
_____2. Men who misunderstand the misleading signals from women.
_____3. Clothing is not appropriate or too sexy.
_____4. Women look sexy, they invite sexual advances.
_____5. Lack of inspections at school or other places.

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