Sexual harassment in the workplace: a feminist analysis of recent developments in the UK

Abstract

This article discusses the law on sexual harassment from a feminist perspective. It summarizes some of the theoretical explanations of sexual harassment focusing in particular on feminist theorists. It looks at the development of the case law and the way in which concepts of unresonableness and unwelcomeness can be used to import stereotypical ideas about women that undermine their claim to be sexually harassed. It is argued that feminist ideas have an important role to play in ensuring that the law is responsive to women. It also argues that sexual harassment has a strong gender dimension and should not be seen simply as a form of bullying.