Seksuell trakassering, verdighet og SKAM

Abstract

In this chapter, I discuss the causes and consequences of masculine domination in sexuality. My main theoretical inspiration is Bourdieu’s theory of masculine domination and his key concept symbolic violence. The Norwegian TV-series SKAM is my empirical case. I will trace the historical roots of masculine domination, and discuss how this puts limits on female sexuality, integrity and dignity. By identifying “the elephant in the room”, masculine domination, Bourdieu claims that we can see sexual harassment as a type of social control of women and gay people, using shame as the key control mechanism. I will analyse the reproduction of masculine dominance and symbolic violence through language; by the use of words like “whore” and “homo”, and through masculine stigmatizations of “good” and “bad” girls. The TV-series SKAM has had a considerable impact on the how Norwegians talk about sexual harassment, homophobia and other religions. SKAM shows how the youth can strengthen their self-esteem by dismantling the taboos and making them aware of social control mechanisms. In this chapter, I am addressing teachers to use SKAM to discuss sexual harassment, and to continuing dismantling cultural taboos.