The Influence of Structural Sexism and the #MeToo Movement on Sexual Harassment Complaints in the United States

While prior literature has examined individual and organizational factors to explain workplace sexual harassment, less attention has been given to structural determinants. This study examines the effect of structural factors on workplace sexual harassment charge rates. Using longitudinal fixed effects models (2005–2021) and state-level data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this study evaluates whether state-level structural sexism in both economic and non-economic sectors, respectively, are associated with sexual harassment charge rates. We also assess how the #MeToo movement has influenced sexual harassment charges for both male and female victims. Findings suggest that higher levels of economic structural sexism are associated with increased female sexual harassment charge rates. Furthermore, the effect of economic structural sexism is exacerbated after the #MeToo movement in 2017. The impact of non-economic structural sexism was not statistically significant. The pattern for male victims is less consistent and does not appear to be influenced by structural sexism. By examining both economic and non-economic structural sexism, this study goes beyond the individual-level analysis on sexual harassment and expands the understanding of structural influences on workplace sexual harassment charge rates.