Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault

Summary

Little is known about the climate of the scientific fieldwork setting as it relates to gendered experiences, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We conducted an internet-based survey of field scientists (N = 666) to characterize these experiences. Codes of conduct and sexual harassment policies were not regularly encountered by respondents, while harassment and assault were commonly experienced by respondents during trainee career stages. Women trainees were the primary targets; their perpetrators were predominantly senior to them professionally within the research team. Male trainees were more often targeted by their peers at the research site. Few respondents were aware of mechanisms to report incidents; most who did report were unsatisfied with the outcome. These findings suggest that policies emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and collegiality have the potential to improve field experiences of a diversity of researchers, especially during early career stages. These include better awareness of mechanisms for direct and oblique reporting of harassment and assault and, the implementation of productive response mechanisms when such behaviors are reported. Principal investigators are particularly well positioned to influence workplace culture at their field sites.

Related articles

• Study Notes on Cultural Anthropology

  These study notes provide a comprehensive breakdown of key concepts, theorists, and schools of thought in cultural anthropology, organized by modules to aid efficient review for examinations.

• Study Notes on Cultural Theories in Anthropology

  These study notes provide an organized overview of key cultural theories in anthropology, focusing on diffusionism, evolutionism, functionalism, and structuralism, along with notable theorists and their contributions.

• ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION IN SOCIAL WORK

  This document discusses the principles and practices of administration and supervision within the field of social work, addressing various characteristics, processes, and ethical considerations integral to effective social work administration.

• The Consanguineous Boundary Paradox: Navigating Marital Autonomy in Endogamous Marriages

  This document explores the complexities of consanguineous marriages, particularly among the Indian diaspora, examining the societal and familial pressures that challenge the autonomy of newlyweds A-1 and B-2 as they navigate their engagement amid intertwined family dynamics.

• Case 6, Stage 2: The Double Insulator

  This document explores the dynamics of a consanguineous marriage between A1 and B2 within their Indian diaspora community, highlighting the challenges they face from familial enmeshment and societal expectations. It analyzes their attempt to establish marital autonomy against a backdrop of cultural and familial pressures.