Introduction
Catcalling is defined as shouting harassing, sexually suggestive, threatening, or derisive comments at someone publicly (source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catcalling). It usually takes the form of unwanted whistling, leering, sexist, racist, and/or homophobic slurs, sexually explicit comments, or demands. Catcalling is an experience that many people face, particularly women, and can make them feel objectified, unsafe, and distressed.
It Objectifies Women
Catcalling treats women as objects, not people. When men catcall women, they are reducing them to their appearance and body parts. This sends the message that women exist merely for men’s viewing pleasure. As one research study found, “Objectification theory argues that repeated experiences of or exposure to sexual objectification leads women to internalize an objectified view of their own bodies” (Fisher et al., 2017). Being catcalled can make women feel like their worth comes solely from their looks, not their intellect, talents, or personality.
Furthermore, catcalling perpetuates the harmful notion that women’s bodies are public property. The catcaller takes it upon themselves to comment on a woman’s appearance without invitation or consent. This entitled attitude stems from a misguided belief that women exist for men’s satisfaction. In reality, women are autonomous individuals who do not appreciate unsolicited remarks about their looks from strangers on the street.
It Can Make Women Feel Unsafe
When women get catcalled, they often feel threatened and unsafe because they are unsure if the situation will escalate to further harassment or assault. Many women have reported feeling anxious, scared, and hypervigilant after getting catcalled, especially if it happens at night or when they are alone (COLUMN: Getting catcalled at night made me question my safety as a woman). The uncertainty of not knowing the intentions of the catcaller can make women feel incredibly vulnerable.
Catcalling forces women to be on guard and question their own safety in public spaces. Many women avoid going out alone, especially at night, to try to avoid getting catcalled and prevent potentially dangerous situations. However, even taking precautions does not always prevent street harassment. Simply walking down the street or going for a jog can make women feel threatened if they are catcalled (The Burden of Catcalling and Street Harassment). The frequency with which catcalling occurs means it is an unavoidable part of many women’s lives, often making them feel unsafe even while doing mundane daily tasks.
It Perpetuates Rape Culture
Catcalling reinforces and contributes to rape culture by normalizing the objectification of women’s bodies and viewing women primarily as sexual objects. As explained by the Wisconsin Women’s Network, catcalling helps create “a culture where boundary crossing is normalized” (What Catcalling Shows Us About Rape Culture). When men catcall women or make unsolicited comments about their bodies in public, it sends the message that women’s bodies exist for men’s pleasure and that men are entitled to women’s attention. This mindset of entitlement lays the groundwork for more severe forms of sexual harassment and assault.
Environments where catcalling regularly occurs normalize the degradation of women and make other unwanted advances seem more acceptable. As The Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi explains, catcalling contributes to “a climate where men feel it’s absolutely fine to encroach on women’s spaces and bodies without consent” (Even during the pandemic, catcalling goes on. I refuse to accept it as ‘normal’). The assumption that men have a right to comment on women’s bodies allows true sexual violence to flourish. Stopping catcalling is an important step in combatting the roots of rape culture.
It’s Unwanted Attention
Women do not want or ask to be catcalled. Catcalling is an unsolicited act where the catcaller imposes their attention on a stranger without consent. As this Reddit user describes, catcalling was a constant unwanted occurrence during her travels: “Literally constant. I couldn’t walk 10 steps without getting catcalled” (source).
Catcalling is not intended as a compliment, but is about exerting power and control. As Plan International explains, “Catcalling is usually defined as a rude, derogatory or unwelcome comment” (source). Women do not ask for or enjoy this unsolicited attention from strangers. The catcaller imposes their will on a woman without her consent.
It Causes Emotional Distress
Women often feel angry, anxious, and humiliated from being catcalled. The experience can leave them feeling degraded, frightened, and powerless (Fisher, 2017). According to research from Modern Intimacy (source 1), catcalling “remains an intrusive and detrimental experience” that negatively impacts women’s mental health.
The emotional distress from street harassment like catcalling can accumulate over time, leading to lasting psychological issues. As explained by Talking Mental Health (source 2), “Because catcalls degrade and sexualise their victims, they cause increased self-objectification, body-image self-consciousness, and negative emotions.” Repeated exposure to such harassment reinforces feelings of vulnerability and lack of safety.
It Happens to Underage Girls
Catcalling often targets underage girls, sometimes as young as 11 or 12 years old. According to a survey by the Girl Scouts of America, 1 in 10 girls experience catcalling before turning 11 years old (Source). Reddit users also discuss that catcalling seems to target pre-teen and teenage girls more commonly (Source).
Being catcalled at such a young age causes trauma and leads to early sexualization of girls. It teaches them that their worth is based on their appearance and body rather than their character and skills. The unwanted attention can lead to lasting emotional distress, anxiety, and damaged self-esteem.
It’s Illegal in Some Areas
Some places have laws against street harassment, like catcalling, showing that it’s being recognized as a societal problem. In Minnesota, catcalling may fall under verbal harassment, which is illegal (source). California also has laws against disorderly conduct that could apply to catcalling (source). Organizations like Stop Street Harassment provide resources on laws against street harassment across the US and believe it should be reported to police (source). The fact that laws exist shows society recognizes the harm catcalling causes and is starting to take legal action against it.
Men Can Help Stop It
One of the most effective ways for men to help stop catcalling is to call out the behavior when they see other men doing it. As this article points out, catcalling is often seen as a way for men to show off for each other. So when a man speaks up against catcalling, it undercuts the performance and makes it less “cool.” Men should not laugh off catcalling or stay silent. They should directly tell their friends and peers that harassing women in public is unacceptable.
Another important action men can take is setting a positive example by not catcalling themselves. Studies show that many men overestimate how often women enjoy being catcalled. Men should realize it is almost always unwanted. By refraining from catcalling and speaking out against it, men can help create public spaces where women feel safe and respected.
Conclusion
Catcalling is a harmful behavior that should not be tolerated. As we have discussed, catcalling objectifies women, makes them feel unsafe, perpetuates rape culture, provides unwanted attention, causes emotional distress, happens to underage girls, and is illegal in some areas. Men have an opportunity and responsibility to stop catcalling and lead by example. By choosing not to catcall, men can demonstrate that this crude behavior has no place in our society.
Catcalling is disrespectful to women and girls. It reduces them to objects and makes them feel victimized. The mental and emotional toll catcalling takes should not be underestimated. When women and girls modify their behavior to avoid catcalling, they are deprived of living freely without fear. The solution starts with each of us examining our actions and pledging to do better.
Catcalling must be recognized as inappropriate and stopped. Thoughtful, respectful treatment of all people should be the norm. The first step is increasing awareness of why catcalling is wrong. From there, we can make it known that catcalling will not be tolerated. Positive change starts with each of us reflecting on our own behaviors. By calling out inappropriate behaviors in others, we can influence social norms for the better.