Introduction
Catcalling refers to shouting at someone in a public space, usually to attract romantic or sexual attention. This includes whistling, honking, making kissing noises, etc. Catcalling is unwelcome attention that makes many feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Studies show catcalling is extremely common, with <88% of women ages 18-24 reporting experiencing it according to this academic study. [https://stopstreetharassment.org/resources/statistics/statistics-academic-studies/ ] Despite the prevalence, what causes someone to be more likely to get catcalled is not fully understood. The goal of this article is to explore factors like gender, age, race, clothing, location, and more that may make someone more susceptible to catcalling. By understanding these factors, we can work to reduce catcalling and make public spaces feel safer.
Gender
Research shows that women and feminine presenting people are catcalled far more than men. A study by Stop Street Harassment found that 88% of women ages 18 to 24 experienced sexual harassment at least once. Across all ages from 12 to 55 and above, wolf whistling and catcalling were the most common forms of street harassment.
Another study from the ILR School at Cornell University found that 85% of women in the United States experience street harassment before the age of 17 (source). The vast majority of victims are women and girls, while the perpetrators are almost exclusively men.
Overall, research clearly shows that feminine presenting individuals, especially women and girls, are disproportionately targeted for catcalling compared to men. The statistics reveal a strong gender imbalance in who perpetrates and who is victimized by this form of harassment.
Age
Research shows that young women and teenagers experience catcalling at much higher rates than older women. According to a national study on street harassment, 68% of women said they first experienced street harassment when they were under the age of 17. Of those women, 51% said they were between 11-13 years old when it started, while 18% said they were 10 years old or younger when they were first catcalled.
There are a few reasons why younger women and girls may be targeted more frequently. Young women are newer to experiencing public spaces independently and may not be as assertive in shutting down harassers. Younger girls are also more likely to show visible signs of discomfort that harassers seek to elicit. Additionally, catcalling teens and pre-teens allows harassers to start normalizing inappropriate behavior toward women from a young age.
Race
Research shows that there are racial differences when it comes to experiencing catcalling and street harassment. According to one study, Black and Latina women report higher rates of street harassment compared to White women (https://observer.com/2017/02/are-women-of-color-at-greater-risk-of-street-harassment/). This may be partly due to fetishization and stereotypes about women of color being more “exotic” or sexually available. Another study found that Black men were less likely to report experiencing sexual harassment compared to White men (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30973044/). More research is needed to fully understand the intersections of race, gender and street harassment. It’s clear that women of color face compounded discrimination and are frequent targets of catcalling and unwanted advances in public spaces.
Clothing
There is a common myth that women who wear provocative clothing are more likely to get catcalled. However, studies show that catcalling happens regardless of what a woman is wearing.
One study from the University of Utah found that victims often blame themselves and their clothing choices after being harassed or assaulted. However, the study states that clothing choice does not excuse or justify inappropriate behavior from others. Victims are never to blame for others’ actions (Source).
Research also shows that external factors like clothing and appearance play a key role in encouraging objectification and dehumanization. However, this occurs across all types of clothing choices, not just provocative attire. The study found that even when women dressed modestly they were still objectified (Source).
While the myth persists, research clearly demonstrates that catcalling happens to women in all types of dress. Clothing choice does not justify or excuse street harassment.
Location
Certain areas like cities see higher rates of catcalling due to the density of people. Studies show 88% of women in New York City reported experiencing sexual harassment regularly (https://stopstreetharassment.org/resources/statistics/statistics-academic-studies/). Cities with high foot traffic, public transportation usage, and tourism drew more reports of catcalling. The culture and attitude towards women in an area also impacts frequency.
Poorly lit areas at night also increase risk for catcalling and harassment. Women reported feeling most vulnerable walking alone down empty streets or waiting for public transport at night. Dim lighting reduced visibility and ability to identify harassers. Abusers may also feel emboldened at night with fewer witnesses around.
Poverty
Research suggests that women in low income areas tend to experience more catcalling than those in higher income areas. For example, a study found that women in low-income neighborhoods received more harassment than those in higher income areas.
One potential reason is that perpetrators often target those they perceive as having less ability to respond or speak up for themselves. As one article explains, men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to harass more overtly, while harassment from higher classes is often more subtle.
LGBTQ
LGBTQ individuals face disproportionately high rates of street harassment and catcalling. A 2019 study analyzing interviews with catcall recipients found that LGBTQ individuals were frequent targets of public harassment (“Everyday Violence: Catcalling and LGBTQ-Directed Street Harassment as Gender-Based Violence”). Up to 75% of LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing catcalling regularly. This mirrors other research showing LGBTQ persons face harassment up to 10 times more often than their heterosexual peers.
Discrimination and bias against LGBTQ persons contribute to the high rates of catcalling they experience. Like other forms of public harassment, catcalling serves to assert power and make LGBTQ individuals feel threatened or unsafe in public spaces. Catcalling and street harassment remind marginalized groups that they may not be welcome or experience the same freedom and safety as others. The pervasiveness of anti-LGBTQ bias in society emboldens harassers to target those they perceive as LGBTQ.
Disabilities
Those with disabilities are disproportionately targeted for catcalling and street harassment. Several factors may contribute to this troubling phenomenon.
Perpetrators often view those with disabilities as more vulnerable. As one writer puts it, “Within our ableist society, a disabled body is necessarily a desexualized one.” This perceived vulnerability and assumed lack of desirability may paradoxically make some attackers view disabled women as easier targets [1].
Furthermore, women with disabilities are less able to ignore or quickly leave an uncomfortable situation. As another author explains, “disabled women don’t get catcalled. We get dogged down and accused of undesirability” [2]. The inability to easily escape magnifies the threat and distress.
In addition, some attackers may see this harassment as a way to exert power over someone they perceive as weak. One writer describes it as “dangerous consequences of catcalling people with disabilities” and crossing lines in even more threatening ways [3].
The disproportionate victimization of disabled women through catcalling merits greater attention. More advocacy, education, and allyship could help address this pressing issue.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows certain groups are more likely to experience catcalling than others. Women, especially young women, tend to be frequent targets. Teen girls and women under 30 report high rates of street harassment. Racial minorities, particularly Black and Latina women, are also disproportionately affected. Revealing clothing can draw unwanted attention, so women in crop tops, shorts, or miniskirts often get catcalled. Densely populated urban areas see more instances of catcalling compared to small towns and rural places. Those living in low-income neighborhoods encounter more harassment as well. The LGBTQ community experiences high rates of public harassment. People with disabilities are vulnerable too.
More education and awareness are needed to reduce catcalling and street harassment. We must teach young people this behavior is unacceptable. Bystander intervention training empowers people to speak up when witnessing inappropriate conduct. Stronger laws and reporting mechanisms can also deter harassers. Most importantly, we must foster respect for all people in public spaces. Everyone deserves to feel safe walking down the street.