Author(s)

Kaiyin Zhu, Hexiao Yin^*

School of Law and Criminal Justice, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China.

Despite legal frameworks, workplace sexual harassment in China remains pervasive, which reflects gaps in prevention and enforcement mechanisms. Therefore, this study examines workplace sexual harassment in China through a criminological lens, utilizing situational crime theory to explore its causes, characteristics, and underlying motivations. This research used a mixed-methods approach, including online surveys and semi-structured interviews with 45 employees who experienced harassment. The findings reveal key characteristics of workplace sexual harassment, such as the socialization of harassment settings, the externalization of organizational relationships, and the digitization of harassment behaviors. Power imbalances, inadequate reporting mechanisms, and workplace subcultures, such as misogynistic and patriarchal norms, are identified as critical enablers. The study underscores how workplace sexual harassment in China is often normalized within organizational environments, perpetuating gender inequality and undermining employee well-being.

Crime Prevention, Gender, Sexual Harassment, Situational Crime Theory, Workplace

Zhu, K. and Yin, H. (2025) Analysis of Sexual Harassment in China: A Criminological Perspective. Advances in Applied Sociology, 15, 18-36. doi: 10.4236/aasoci.2025.151002.