Definition of Catcalling
Catcalling refers to shouting unwanted, unsolicited, and often offensive comments toward strangers in public places. Catcalls are frequently directed at women and contain remarks about their appearance or sexual suggestions. Some common examples of catcalling include:
- Whistling or making kissing sounds at someone walking by
- Yelling out “Hey sexy!” or “Looking good!” to a stranger
- Making lewd comments about someone’s body
- Asking inappropriate personal questions of strangers
- Honking car horns or yelling from vehicles
The term “catcall” originated as an expression meaning a “shout of disapproval” in the early 1600s. By the 1900s it had taken on its modern meaning related to shouting at strangers, usually women, in a sexual or offensive manner (Merriam-Webster). Catcalling is generally considered a form of street harassment that can make the victim feel threatened or unsafe.
History and Origin
Though catcalling has likely existed in some form for centuries, catcalling specifically directed at women became prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time period, cities grew rapidly due to industrialization, bringing more anonymity for perpetrators.[1] Additionally, women started entering the public sphere in larger numbers as they joined the workforce. This sudden visibility of women in cities provided more opportunities for men to catcall them on streets and public transportation.[2]
Some scholars note that the act of catcalling began as a way for men of lower classes to exert power and demonstrate masculinity, as they lacked power in other aspects of society. As women gained more rights and opportunities in the 20th century, catcalling became an attempt to assert dominance and undermine women’s independence.[1]
While catcalling has evolved over the decades, it has remained a common form of street harassment in cities worldwide. However, the rise of feminism and public awareness campaigns have increasingly shone a spotlight on catcalling as disrespectful, leading more people to condemn the practice.
Motivations
Many men who catcall women believe it is a normal way to flirt and interact with women. According to one survey, most men who catcall say they do it to flirt with women in a way they think is harmless, and they hope to get a smile or some flirting in return [1]. However, research has found that catcalling is often more about demonstrating power or camaraderie with other men than genuinely flirting [2].
Some specific motivations that lead men to catcall include:
- Thinking it might brighten a woman’s day or make her feel good
- Believing their catcalling might lead to a relationship or date
- Using it to build confidence among male peers
- Immaturity or lack of understanding of how it makes women feel
While some men may have innocuous motivations, experts say catcalling ultimately stems from a sense of entitlement and perceived power over women. It objectifies women and treats them as existing for male attention rather than as equals deserving of respect.
Prevalence
Catcalling and street harassment are disturbingly common experiences for women and girls. Surveys and studies consistently show high rates of women of all ages facing unwanted comments, honking, whistling and other forms of harassment by strangers in public. According to Stop Street Harassment, 88% of women ages 18-24 reported experiencing sexual harassment like catcalling at least once, with the most common forms being honking, whistling and yelling. A Cornell University study found 85% of women in the U.S. experienced street harassment before age 17.
Stop Street Harassment’s own studies reveal similarly high numbers, with 79% of women reporting being catcalled by age 17. Rates remain high through adulthood, with 77% of women experiencing verbal harassment and 57% of women facing sexually explicit comments from strangers when in public spaces. Men also report street harassment, though at lower rates of around 25%. The prevalence of catcalling spans across countries, with international studies conducted in nations like Canada, Egypt, India and more all showing street harassment as a disturbingly common occurrence.
Impact on Women
Catcalling can have a significant negative emotional impact on women. Studies have shown that experiencing catcalling is connected to self-objectification for women ( https://www.modernintimacy.com/catcalling-the-impact-of-sexual-harassment-on-mental-health/ ). Self-objectification can make women feel shame and anxiety around their bodies. Catcalling encourages the viewpoint that women’s bodies exist for the pleasure of others.
Being catcalled can lead to increased self-consciousness and hypervigilance in public spaces ( https://www.talkingmentalhealth.com/post/how-do-we-solve-a-problem-like-catcalling). Women who are frequently catcalled may avoid going out alone or alter their routines to try to avoid harassment. Some women report feeling objectified, angry, unsafe, or fearful after being catcalled. The experience can be demeaning and stressful.
In addition to emotional effects, some research indicates catcalling may impact women’s mental health. Experiencing frequent street harassment like catcalling can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms for some women ( https://www.inspirethemind.org/post/the-burden-of-catcalling-and-street-harassment). Catcalling reinforces sexist attitudes and makes public spaces feel unsafe.
Criticism and Controversies
Some argue that catcalling is harmless and can even be taken as a compliment. Supporters believe communicating attraction towards strangers in public is natural and normal. For example, Kara Kennedy wrote in The Spectator that “catcalling can brighten a woman’s day by making her feel admired and boosting her self-esteem.”
However, most experts counter that catcalling often makes women feel objectified, threatened, and afraid. Feminist groups contend that catcalling perpetuates the view that women’s bodies exist for men’s pleasure. As one self-defense expert told Refinery29, catcalling “fuels rape culture by asserting ownership over women’s bodies in public.”
Anti-Catcalling Efforts
In recent years, there have been various campaigns and initiatives aimed at reducing and stopping catcalling behaviors. Many women’s rights groups and activists have led efforts to raise awareness of catcalling and how it negatively impacts women. Some notable anti-catcalling campaigns and activism include:
CHALK BACK is an organization that was started in New York City that provides a platform for people to share their stories of street harassment and aims to raise public awareness to “denormalize catcalling” (CHALK BACK). They organize public chalking events where people write about their experiences with street harassment.
Stop Street Harassment organized the first International Anti-Street Harassment Week in March 2017, with groups and activists participating in over 20 countries. They work on various initiatives to document and prevent gender-based street harassment worldwide (Stop Street Harassment).
No Catcalling, a collaboration between two feminist groups, created street art posters saying “No Catcalling” and put them up around New York City and Philadelphia in 2015. Their guerrilla art campaign aimed to raise awareness and encourage people to stop catcalling (No Catcalling Campaign).
Laws
The legal status of catcalling varies depending on location. In some places, catcalling is considered a form of street harassment that may violate local ordinances. Other locations have enacted specific laws against catcalling.
In California, catcalling is prohibited under the state’s disorderly conduct law. According to the Sacramento Bee, disorderly conduct includes offensive words in a public place that can provoke an immediate violent reaction. Catcalling often fits this definition.
Illinois amended its disorderly conduct law in 2018 to explicitly prohibit catcalling. The law bans unwanted advances on public streets, making offensive comments, and disturbing others’ peace. Violators may face fines or jail time.
New York City has laws against harassment that may apply to catcalling. The New York criminal defense law firm notes catcalling can potentially lead to harassment charges in NYC.
While many places have applicable laws, few areas have enacted catcalling legislation as extensive as France. In 2018, France implemented fines for catcalling under a street harassment law. But as analyzed by Forbes, enforcement remains challenging.
Alternatives
There are more positive ways to interact with strangers in public that don’t involve catcalling. Some alternatives include:
- Smiling and nodding at people as you pass by
- Paying a simple compliment like “Great outfit!” without expecting a response
- Asking a general question like “How’s your day going?”
- Making a quick amusing comment about something in the environment like “This heat is really something huh?”
- Offering help if it seems needed, like “Would you like some help with those bags?”
The key is to be friendly and acknowledge others without commenting on their appearance or demanding a response. Make your interaction quick, casual, and respectful. Avoid lingering stares, invading personal space, or shouting raunchy comments across the street (Source). The goal should be spreading positivity, not asserting power or making others uncomfortable.
Conclusion
In summary, catcalling is a form of street harassment that involves unwanted comments, gestures, or actions targeted at someone in a public place (“What does cat calling a girl mean?”, 2022). It frequently takes the form of sexual remarks, whistling, honking, staring, vulgar gestures, or other inappropriate behaviors. While some argue it’s harmless flirting or a compliment, research shows catcalling can make women feel intimidated, angry, humiliated, and afraid (Bartleby, 2015).
The origins of catcalling date back centuries, arising from sexist attitudes viewing women as objects and public spaces as male domains. Though illegal in some areas, it remains prevalent worldwide today. Motivations include exerting power, showing off to peers, and a sense of male entitlement over women’s bodies. However, catcalling reflects poorly on the harassers themselves (“Catcalling Essay”, 2021).
In recent years, catcalling has faced increasing criticism as an unacceptable form of sexism and public sexual harassment. Anti-catcalling campaigns, activism, laws, and education seek to address the issue. Ultimately, the onus is on society to reconsider what constitutes acceptable public conduct toward women, and promote mutual respect. While ending catcalling completely poses challenges, a cultural shift emphasizing that all people deserve safe and equal access to public spaces can help create more just, inclusive communities for all.