Exploring University Student's Retrospective Perceptions of Sexual Harassment Culture in UK Secondary Schools
By Molly Barker,
London Metropolitan University.
Sexual harassment in secondary schools remains a significant safeguarding and public health concern, yet there is an absence of research that explores how such experiences are perceived retrospectively in adulthood. The aim of this study was to explore the evolving perspectives of sexual harassment culture in UK secondary schools. A qualitative design was adopted, utilising semi-structured interviews with a sample size of 5 participants. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, in line with Braun and Clarke’s approach. 5 overarching themes emerged from the dataset: normalisation of sexual harassment (1), gaps and failures in institutional response (2), inadequate and ineffective educational systems (3), gendered and socially inequal experiences (4) and developmental shifts in understanding and awareness (5). These findings suggest that sexual harassment exists within education as a culturally embedded phenomenon that is shaped by social norms, institutional practices and a lack of comprehensive education. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive relationships and sex education, consistent institutional responses, and interventions in policy that address underlying social norms. The findings of this study contribute to existing literature by emphasising the role of meaning from a retrospective perspective in understanding sexual harassment and identifying gaps in contemporary educational and safeguarding policy..
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22811227