A report in the Journal of Applied Psychology concluded that women who demonstrate traditionally masculine traits of assertiveness, ambition and independence are more likely to be sexually harassed. This finding undermines the traditional view that sexual harassment against women is a product of sexual desire of the male perpetrator. Instead, Jennifer L. Berdahl, a professor at the University of Toronto, concludes that men use sexual harassment as a way to punish strong women for undermining their masculinity.
Compiled from: "Study Shows Sexual Harassment Targets Women Who Defy Gender Stereotypes," Feminist Majority Foundation, 25 May 2007.