| Abstract [eng] |
This Master‘s thesis analyzes how different social groups perceive the phenomenon of sexual harassment in nightlife venues and the possibilities for its prevention. Academic literature emphasizes the difficulty of defining sexual harassment due to the broad spectrum of such behavior, while nightlife venues are considered environments with higher risk for the occurrence of this type of behavior (Bulovec, Eman 2020). It is noted that this phenomenon is characterized by latency due to the negative consequences experienced by victims and societal victim-blaming (Dobryninas, Pocienė 2021; Fernandes, Meeus, Coene; Williamson 2024). Overall, it is argued that differing perceptions of what constitutes sexual harassment may contribute to the normalization of such behavior and a lack of appropriate response within society (Wrightson-Hester, Allan, Allan 2022). The thesis is based on three theoretical approaches: Rational Choice Theory, Routine Activity Theory, and the perspective of feminist criminology. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with three groups of participants, which may be associated with the ideal-type groups distinguished in A. Schutz‘s (1946) epistemic stratification scheme: visitors of nightlife venues who had experienced sexual harassment there, bar and nightclub employees, and experts whose professional activities are related to the topic of sexual harassment. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the research groups perceive sexual harassment in bars and clubs as a widespread problem inseparable from nightlife venues and affecting women, while identifying individual, social/cultural, environmental, and other factors that may increase the risk of experiencing sexual harassment. Responsibility for responding to incidents and ensuring mutual care is often shifted onto visitors themselves. The participants associated the most effective prevention opportunities primarily with social prevention measures and the strengthening of accountability. |
