What is it about?

This study provides an overview of sexual harassment research in social sciences. It synthesizes main theoretical approaches and conducts a bibliometric analysis of publications on sexual harassment up to 2021. The research examines the evolution of articles, research areas, keyword co-occurrences, and co-authorships. Findings show growing interest in sexual harassment research, especially after high-profile cases and movements like #MeToo. The analysis reveals trends towards workplace-focused and gender perspective studies. The results suggest three main theoretical approaches in sexual harassment analysis: socio-cultural, organizational, and multi-dimensional.

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Why is it important?

This research is crucial for understanding the current state and trends in sexual harassment studies within social sciences. By identifying key theoretical perspectives and research patterns, it provides a comprehensive overview that can guide future studies and inform policy-making. The study's findings on the increased focus on workplace harassment and gender perspectives reflect shifting societal concerns and academic priorities. Additionally, the identification of main theoretical approaches offers a framework for researchers to contextualize their work and identify gaps in the field. This synthesis of knowledge is vital for advancing our understanding of sexual harassment and developing more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Perspectives

As one of the authors of this study, I found the process of synthesizing decades of research on sexual harassment both challenging and enlightening. The bibliometric analysis revealed patterns that weren't immediately obvious from reading individual studies, providing a bird's-eye view of the field. What struck me most was the clear impact of social movements like #MeToo on academic research, demonstrating the dynamic interaction between social issues and scholarly work. This study reinforced my belief in the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to complex social problems like sexual harassment. It also highlighted the need for continued research that bridges theoretical perspectives and practical applications to create safer environments in workplaces and beyond.

PhD Juan Sebastián Fernández-Prados
Universidad de Almeria

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Approach to theoretical perspectives of “sexual harassment”: review and bibliometric analysis from social sciences, Frontiers in Psychology, May 2023, Frontiers,
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1088469.
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