Sexual assault and sexual harassment in military services: Culture, hypermasculinity, and the futility of zero-tolerance approaches

Abstract: This introduction to the Special Forum on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in Military Services begins with a discussion of zero-tolerance approaches to sexual assault and sexual harassment, arguing that such approaches tend to be ineffective and result in problematic outcomes. Furthermore, zero-tolerance approaches are associated with the same hypermasculine cultural practices that contribute to the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the military. The articles that are summarized in this Forum cover a range of inquiries, which apply differing substantive, theoretical, and methodological approaches to address issues related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. Together, the articles in this compendium demonstrate the importance of aligning structural interventions with the cultures of the institutions in which the interventions will be implemented. They also reinforce the futility of zero-tolerance approaches and the importance of recognizing the significant complexities associated with sexual assault and sexual harassment in military services.

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