Introduction
You’re walking down the street, minding your own business, when a stranger shouts “Hey beautiful!” or makes an unwanted comment about your appearance. This common experience is known as catcalling, and it happens to people of all genders. While some brush it off as harmless flirting, research shows catcalling is a pervasive issue that makes many feel objectified, threatened, or unsafe.
One study found that 77% of women had experienced verbal harassment like catcalling, with over half reporting it happened by age 17. Men also report experiencing catcalling, especially LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite many considering it inappropriate, catcalling remains widespread worldwide. This article will explore the prevalence, impact, and debate around public harassment.
Defining Catcalling
Catcalling refers to shouting or making comments, often of a harassing, derisive, or sexually suggestive nature, at someone in a public place (Merriam-Webster, 2022). It typically involves a man making unwanted advances towards a woman in public, such as shouting remarks about her appearance or making lewd comments. However, catcalling can occur between any combination of genders.
Some examples of catcalling include:
- “Hey baby, nice legs!”
- “Looking good today sweetheart!”
- “Smile for me honey.”
- Whistling at someone walking by
- Honking a car horn at a pedestrian
While the remarks may seem harmless to some, they are often unwelcome and can make the recipient feel objectified, threatened, or afraid (Cambridge Dictionary, 2022). The key defining factor of catcalling is that it is unsolicited and unwanted attention.
Sources:
Merriam-Webster. (2022). Catcalling. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catcalling
Cambridge Dictionary. (2022). CATCALL. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/catcall
Prevalence of Catcalling
Studies show that street harassment in the form of catcalling is a common experience for women worldwide. According to a 2018 survey conducted across 6 countries, 81% of women in the United States reported experiencing sexual harassment in public spaces (Source). Another study found that 88% of American women ages 18-24 have been sexually harassed at least once, with catcalling being one of the most prevalent forms (Source). Overall, research indicates that 85% of women in the U.S. will be subjected to street harassment before age 17 (Source). The data shows catcalling is a very common form of street harassment that the vast majority of women experience in their lifetime.
Who Experiences Catcalling
Research shows that catcalling disproportionately affects young women. According to a study by Cornell University, 85% of women in the United States experience street harassment before the age of 17 [1]. Another study across 12-55+ age groups found that the most common forms of street harassment were wolf whistling and catcalling, with 34% of women experiencing “worst forms” of sexual harassment [2].
In terms of race and ethnicity, studies find that women of color, especially Black, Indigenous, and Latina women, are more likely to be targeted for street harassment. One survey showed that 43% of Black women, 36% of Indigenous women, and 33% of Latinas reported being harassed every day, compared to just 25% of white women [3]. Another study on public transit found that women of color were twice as likely as white women to face sexual harassment.
While women and girls make up the vast majority of victims, men and boys can also be targeted, especially those perceived as gay or gender non-conforming. According to one national survey, 25% of LGBT people reported being verbally harassed for their sexual orientation while in public.
In summary, while anyone can be catcalled, young women – especially women of color – face disproportionately high rates of this form of harassment.
Where Catcalling Happens
Catcalling frequently occurs in public spaces where there are high volumes of pedestrian traffic. According to a study by Stop Street Harassment, the most common places where women experience street harassment include on the street, outside, or near shops and restaurants (57%), on public transportation or public transportation stops (51%), at work or school (38%), and in parking lots or garages (31%). 1
Other public areas where catcalling is prevalent include parks, beaches, shopping malls, sidewalks, and popular nightlife districts. Catcalling also occurs frequently on college campuses as women walk to classes or events. Essentially, catcallers target women in any busy public area where there is a high volume of pedestrian foot traffic.
According to a BuzzFeed News survey across 8 countries, catcalling regularly takes place on public transportation, on the way to workplaces and schools, and on the street. Women reported that catcalling happens “everywhere” – any public place where women are present. 2
Impact of Catcalling
Catcalling and street harassment can have serious emotional and psychological effects on victims. Studies have found that exposure to catcalling leads to higher rates of self-objectification, body dissatisfaction, and self-consciousness in women (The Effects of Exposure to Catcalling on Women’s State Self-Objectification and Body Image). The experience of being catcalled can make women more aware of themselves as sexual objects, rather than as full human beings. This causes women to internalize the male gaze and constantly monitor their bodies and appearance.
In addition, catcalling takes a psychological toll by making public spaces feel unsafe for women. Many women report feeling angry, anxious, intimidated, vulnerable, and powerless after being catcalled (Catcalling: The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Mental Health). It can lead to increased vigilance and fear of assault when out in public. Some women may alter their behavior to avoid catcalling, such as taking different routes or dressing more conservatively. However, studies show that catcalling happens regardless of attire. The combination of fear, anxiety, anger, and powerlessness caused by catcalling contributes to lasting psychological harm for many women.
Cultural Attitudes
Societal views around catcalling are complex and nuanced. While some continue to defend catcalling as harmless flirting or a compliment, research shows it is a form of gender-based street harassment that makes many women feel unsafe.
Many men view catcalling as a cultural norm, seeing it as “their right” to comment on women’s bodies as they pass by (https://rifka-annisa.org/en/news/news/item/584-the-culture-of-catcalling). However, most women find catcalling threatening and dehumanizing, even traumatizing in some cases. One study found that out of over 16,000 women surveyed worldwide, over 80% had experienced street harassment like catcalling, and over 70% said it made them feel unsafe (https://www.stopstreetharassment.org/resources/statistics/sshstudies/).
Some defend catcalling as a cultural norm in certain communities, like construction sites or other male-dominated spaces. However, research shows catcalling stems from sexist attitudes and gender inequality, not cultural differences (https://www.quora.com/Is-cat-calling-a-cultural-misunderstanding). Ultimately, the impact matters more than the intent – and the impact is overwhelmingly negative, no matter the motivation behind it.
While views remain divided, a growing number of campaigns like #HarassmentIs highlight the harms of catcalling and are shifting attitudes to see it as unacceptable. More education is still needed to change societal norms and achieve true gender equality where all people feel safe and respected in public spaces.
Legal Status
Many countries have passed laws making public sexual harassment and catcalling illegal. Belgium made catcalling illegal in April 2014 after a documentary exposed the issue. Now offenders face fines of 200-350 euros and up to 1 week in jail (Source). Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, New Zealand, and some US states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have also criminalized street harassment (Source). France passed a law in 2018 punishing catcallers with on-the-spot fines of up to 750 euros. Repeat offenders within a year face increased fines of 1,500-3,000 euros and up to 6 months in jail (Source).
While laws against public harassment exist in many places, enforcement remains a challenge. Critics argue more needs to be done to increase reporting and prosecution rates. However, the legal status reflects changing attitudes and a recognition of catcalling as a serious issue warranting consequences.
Preventing Catcalling
There are several ways we can all work to reduce catcalling in our communities. Education and awareness are key. We should teach young people about respect, consent, and healthy masculinity so they understand why catcalling is wrong. Schools, community groups, and parents can make this a priority. Bystander intervention training empowers people to speak up when they witness harassment. If you see someone catcalling, you can say something like “That’s not cool. Leave her alone.” Some advocacy groups provide free bystander intervention workshops. There are also apps like Hollaback! that allow people to report catcallers to raise awareness. On a societal level, we need to challenge attitudes that normalize street harassment. Media campaigns and public figures speaking out can help change social norms over time. Laws against verbal harassment and intimidation may also deter some catcallers, although enforcement can be difficult. The most impactful way to reduce catcalling is through comprehensive education and a cultural shift emphasizing respect.
As this Plan International article suggests, staring down catcallers can be an effective response: https://plan-international.org/girls-get-equal/how-to-handle-catcallers/. Creating a distraction is another approach, according to Oprah Magazine: https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/how-to-stop-catcalling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, catcalling is a persistent issue that many people face, particularly women and members of the LGBTQ community. Though some may view it as harmless or even complimentary, research shows catcalling can negatively impact self-esteem, health, and feelings of safety. It is important that we work to shift cultural attitudes and create more awareness around the harm catcalling causes. However small the act may seem to some, it contributes to larger societal issues surrounding gender roles, male entitlement, and the objectification of women and marginalized groups in public spaces. By speaking out against catcalling and promoting more positive social norms, we can help curb its prevalence and create safer, more inclusive communities where everyone feels free to occupy public spaces without fear of harassment.