Mexican-American and Caucasian University Men's Experience of Sexual Harassment: A Preliminary Report

Harassment complaints filed by men have increased over the last decade (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2009), yet research addressing this topic has been underrepresented in the literature. The current study aimed to provide preliminary information about college men's experience of harassment. Mexican-American and Caucasian male students completed measures of harassing behaviors, perceptions of harasser power, and harassment attitudes. Overall reported experiences of harassing behaviors were higher than previously published reports. Further, Caucasian students reported experiencing greater rates of harassment than Mexican Americans, while Mexican Americans reported greater tolerance of harassment. Both groups attributed little power to their offenders. Findings are discussed within the context of cultural and gender factors and preliminary implications for men on university campuses.