Sexual Harassment at Workplace – A Paradox of Power

Power is the central element of Sexual harassment. It is exercising authority over the subordinate than about sex. The abuse of power is the key to understand why sexual harassment occurs. Sexual harassment at workplace involves use of authority by the person in power over the person who is subordinate to him or her. Through the use of this power the superior satisfies his or her sexual desires. The concept of ‘abuse of power’ is not new in the Patriarchal Indian society. Patriarchy is a socially constructed system where males have primary power. Patriarchy reinforced violence against women. Women were confined in stereotypical gender roles that placed limitation on how far they can go. Excluding women from collective resources paved way for male domination which meant a level of power superiority against women. The impact of patriarchy on men is astounding. Not only women are affected by patriarchy but men too are impacted negatively by the same. The misuse of power can have both men and women as victims. Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advances or behavior that creates an uncomfortable hostile working environment. The parties involved are one who has the power to abuse and the other who is the victim of the same. Any conduct of sexual nature that makes an employee uncomfortable can come under the ambit of Sexual Harassment at workplace