A Qualitative Study Exploring Female University Students’ Experiences of Sexual Harassment Research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master’s in Research Psychology at Stellenbosch University Janine Markram Supervisor: Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk December 2020 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Declaration By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained herein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save where explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe upon any third party rights and that I have not previously, either in its entirety or in part, submitted it for any other qualification. Signature: Date: 20 July 2020 Copyright © 2020 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved i Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Acknowledgements In completing this thesis, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to those who have supported and helped guide me throughout the experience. Firstly, I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk. We have had a challenging two years together and without you, this research would neither have been conducted nor would it ever have surpassed my expectations. I would like to thank you for all the guidance you have given me, as well as your endless patience – which I may have tested daily. I am extremely fortunate to have had a mentor who was as invested in this study as I was, and your in- depth comments and feedback were of enormous help in shaping not only this thesis, but me as well. Your high standards, knowledge, and encouragement to “do more reading” have helped me set new goals for myself and for that I am truly grateful. Secondly, I would like to thank Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela from the Historical Trauma and Transformation Unit for allowing me to use the space. This gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by professionals who were all willing to help me find my feet. Moreover, I would like to thank my fellow master’s students in the Historical Trauma and Transformation Unit for being so supportive throughout the last year of my study. Mihlali, Ceasar and Ayanda, it has been a pleasure. Thank you for creating a space where we could bounce ideas off one another, as well as all the times you read my analysis to help identify what I was missing. This journey had many detours and seemed never-ending, but I never felt as though I had been travelling it alone. Thirdly, I wish to thank my parents, who phoned me nearly every day to offer assistance and encouragement. Without you, I would not have had the will to persevere. Your love and support have been invaluable. You have no idea how much I love and appreciate everything you have done to help me attain my goals. You always had time for my complaints, always checked up on me, and helped me conceptualise the literature that was needed. Fourthly, my brother, Thomas: you mean the world to me. We grew up like twins and, although we may have fought a great deal, not once did you fail to support me when I needed you most. I am so proud of the man you have become and look forward to seeing you accomplish your dreams. Lastly, I would like to thank all the participants who took part in this study. You have no idea how I struggled to recruit participants due to the sensitive nature of the topic. ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Your courage is truly inspirational. Your narrations were fascinating, and I would like to express how amazing you women are. Stay strong! iii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Table of Contents Declaration.............................................................................................................................................. i ................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... ii Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................... vii Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Uittreksel ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Chapter One: Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5 Context and Background ................................................................................................................. 5 Problem Statement and Rationale ................................................................................................... 8 Aims of the Study ............................................................................................................................ 10 Research Questions ......................................................................................................................... 11 Concluding Remarks ...................................................................................................................... 11 Overview of the Chapters ............................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 2: Social Constructionist Theoretical Framework ............................................................ 15 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Overview of Patriarchy .................................................................................................................. 16 Discourses and Patriarchy in South Africa .................................................................................. 18 The concept of agency ................................................................................................................. 18 The social construction of gender .............................................................................................. 20 Shaping experiences using discourses ........................................................................................... 22 Power in relationships .................................................................................................................... 25 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Chapter Three: Literature Review .................................................................................................... 28 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 28 Naming and Labelling Sexual Harassment .................................................................................. 28 Gender Violence and Sexual Harassment in the University Context ......................................... 30 Why sexual harassment persists at universities ....................................................................... 34 Types of Sexual Harassment .......................................................................................................... 36 Harassment .................................................................................................................................. 36 Hostile academic environment: unwanted sexual attention and gender harassment ........... 38 Effects of Sexual Harassment ........................................................................................................ 40 Chapter Four: Research Methodology and Methods ...................................................................... 43 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 43 Qualitative Epistemological Approach ......................................................................................... 43 iv Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Participants ...................................................................................................................................... 45 Participant Selection ................................................................................................................... 45 Recruitment ................................................................................................................................. 45 Research Context ............................................................................................................................ 46 Data Collection Method .................................................................................................................. 48 Semi-structured Interviews ........................................................................................................ 49 Conducting the Interviews ......................................................................................................... 50 Data Analysis and Interpretation .................................................................................................. 52 Critical Discourse Analysis