Exploring Sexual Harassment in Agriculture From a Socio-Ecological Perspective: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Workplace sexual harassment (WSH) and other forms of sexual violence are pervasive in the agricultural sector, yet remain overlooked as critical occupational health and safety concerns. In this scoping review, the social-ecological model was used as a framework to examine contributing and protective factors in the literature that inform WSH interventions, policy, and research. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols, the authors searched eight databases using Boolean terms related to “sexual harassment” and “agriculture.” Articles that were peer-reviewed, empirical, and nonempirical, published in English, available as full-text, and pertaining to agriculture were included in the sample. A total of 93 articles were found, and 20 met inclusion criteria. Results showed most studies were qualitative and exploratory. A number of contributing factors were discussed in the literature, including: harmful gender beliefs and myths, gender inequity and inequality, hierarchical workplace structures, poverty, precarious immigration status, language barriers, permissive workplace climate, fear of retaliation, a need for culturally responsive workplace training, and lack of clear anti-harassment workplace policies. There is also a lack of legal protections for agricultural workers at the state and federal levels, highlighting the need for advocacy and policy reform. The socio-ecological model (SEM) offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing WSH across the spectrum of prevention. More empirical and longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base for developing comprehensive solutions to WSH that address the many barriers and risks that agricultural workers face.