EN240: The #MeToo Movement and Sexual Harassment – Mini-Research Paper #2

This assignment requires a 5–7 page researched argument on the #MeToo movement and sexual harassment. Students select one of four topics: the unprecedented accountability of powerful men, the movement’s effect on women speaking out, societal prevention strategies and responsible parties, or Title IX’s impact on college campuses. The essay must convey urgency, articulate what is at stake, and incorporate at least three academic sources with five total references in APA format. A clear thesis, effective organization, and a properly formatted References page are mandatory for a passing grade.

Assignment Context and Overview

The #MeToo movement, which gained global prominence in October 2017 following allegations against Harvey Weinstein, represents a watershed moment in how societies address sexual harassment and assault. This movement has fundamentally altered public discourse, workplace policies, and legal frameworks across multiple sectors. For this research paper, you will examine one specific dimension of the #MeToo movement, construct a persuasive argument supported by scholarly evidence, and communicate why your chosen issue matters in contemporary society.

This assignment develops your capacity to conduct academic research, synthesize multiple sources, and construct a compelling argument that addresses a complex social issue. The skills you practice—evaluating evidence, acknowledging counterarguments, and articulating significance—are foundational to advanced academic writing and professional communication.

Essay Topics

Select one of the following topics for your research paper:

Accountability of Powerful Men: Today, men like Matt Lauer and Al Franken (and others) have been fired or forced to resign after being accused of sexual harassment. Historically, men accused of sexual harassment rarely faced lasting consequences, even when allegations became public. This moment is unusual because so many famous men are facing significant consequences. Why is this happening now? Why is society holding these men accountable for their actions? Will this accountability continue? Or will we revert to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” culture?
Impact on Women Speaking Out: Discuss the #MeToo Movement. How has this movement had a direct effect on women speaking out against sexual harassment?
Prevention and Responsibility: What can we do as a society to prevent sexual harassment? Who is most responsible for preventing sexual harassment—courts and lawmakers, corporations, communities, the EEOC? How has the fight against sexual harassment changed over time?
Title IX and College Campuses: What is Title IX? How does it impact college campuses?

Writing Requirements and Guidelines

Content Requirements

Thesis Statement: Include a clear, arguable thesis that presents your position on the chosen topic.
Problem Description: Clearly describe the problem or issue you are addressing.
Argument Development: Construct an effective argument using evidence from your research.
Stakes Explanation: Convincingly explain what is at stake—why readers should care about your argument.
Sources: Incorporate quotes and paraphrases from at least three (3) academic research sources within the text. Use at least five (5) sources total on your References page.
Introduction and Conclusion: Include effective introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Title: Provide a title that accurately describes your essay.
Organization: Demonstrate clear organization with logical grouping and ordering of ideas.

Formatting Requirements

Length: 5–7 pages (not including title page or References page).
Documentation: APA format for all in-text citations and the References page.
Note: Essays submitted without a References page will receive an automatic F.

Grading Rubric

Criteria	Excellent (90–100%)	Good (80–89%)	Satisfactory (70–79%)	Needs Improvement (60–69%)
Thesis & Argument	Clear, arguable thesis; consistent argument throughout; nuanced position	Clear thesis; generally consistent argument	Thesis present but vague; argument uneven	Weak or missing thesis; argument unclear
Research & Evidence	5+ sources; 3+ academic; effective integration; proper APA citations	5 sources; some academic; adequate integration; minor APA errors	Fewer than 5 sources; limited academic sources; weak integration; APA errors	Insufficient sources; poor integration; major APA errors; missing References
Organization & Clarity	Logical structure; smooth transitions; clear paragraphs	Generally logical; some transitions	Some organizational issues; paragraphs lack focus	Disorganized; difficult to follow
Stakes & Significance	Compelling explanation of why issue matters	Clear explanation of stakes	Stakes mentioned but not developed	Little or no explanation of stakes
Grammar & Mechanics	Virtually error-free; sophisticated sentence structure	Few errors; clear sentence structure	Some errors; awkward phrasing	Numerous errors; interferes with meaning

Sample Answer Excerpt

The Unprecedented Accountability of Powerful Men

The #MeToo movement has produced a remarkable shift in how society responds to allegations of sexual harassment against powerful men. Prior to 2017, public figures accused of misconduct frequently retained their positions, with consequences ranging from minimal to nonexistent. The movement changed this dynamic by creating a collective platform where survivors could share their experiences, generating a critical mass of testimony that institutions could no longer ignore. Research by Lonsway et al. (2020) found that the number of high-profile men facing employment consequences for harassment allegations increased by over 400 percent in the two years following the movement’s emergence. This accountability stems from several converging factors: the viral nature of social media mobilization, changing workplace policies, and a cultural reckoning with longstanding power imbalances. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has documented a significant increase in harassment claims filed since 2017, suggesting that the movement has encouraged more reporting while also prompting employers to take complaints more seriously. However, the sustainability of this accountability remains uncertain, as recent years have shown signs of backlash and fatigue, with some accused individuals returning to positions of influence.

Structural Barriers and the Limits of Individual Accountability

While the #MeToo movement has successfully exposed individual perpetrators, a growing body of scholarship suggests that focusing solely on high-profile cases may obscure deeper structural issues. Kantar Public’s 2023 workplace harassment barometer revealed that despite increased awareness, approximately one in five employees still experience unwanted sexual attention at work, with reporting rates remaining low due to fears of retaliation (Kantar Public, 2023). This persistence indicates that individual accountability, while necessary, cannot substitute for systemic reforms. Organizations such as the EEOC have emphasized the need for committed leadership, consistent accountability mechanisms, comprehensive policies, accessible complaint procedures, and regular interactive training (EEOC, 2024). These structural interventions address the conditions that enable harassment rather than merely punishing its manifestations. Scholars like Reinicke (2022) argue that sustainable change requires men to actively participate as allies rather than passive observers, transforming workplace cultures from within. This shift from reactive punishment to proactive prevention represents the next frontier in the movement’s evolution.

Why Has Accountability for Powerful Men Increased So Dramatically?

The dramatic increase in accountability for powerful men stems from a confluence of technological, cultural, and institutional changes that created what sociologists call a “critical juncture.” Social media platforms enabled survivors to bypass traditional gatekeepers, allowing stories to reach global audiences without editorial filtering. The simultaneity of multiple high-profile allegations created a bandwagon effect, reducing the isolation that individual accusers often experience. Additionally, corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, though imperfect, have made organizations more responsive to reputational risks associated with tolerating harassment. However, this accountability has not been uniform; research by Aronson and Fleming (2024) demonstrates that consequences vary significantly based on the accused individual’s race, industry, and political affiliation, suggesting that systemic biases persist even within the movement’s successes. The question of whether this accountability will endure depends on whether institutions embed these changes into permanent policies rather than treating them as temporary responses to public pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sources count as academic research sources for this paper?

Academic sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books published by university presses, and government or institutional research reports. Sources such as news articles, opinion pieces, and general websites do not qualify as academic sources, though they may supplement your argument. Use your university library database to locate appropriate sources.

How do I develop a strong thesis for this assignment?

A strong thesis makes a specific, arguable claim that goes beyond stating the obvious. For example, rather than saying “The #MeToo movement has helped women speak out,” you might argue “The #MeToo movement has empowered women to speak out, but this empowerment remains unevenly distributed across race and class lines, revealing persistent structural inequalities within the movement itself.” Your thesis should preview your main points and indicate why your argument matters.

What does “clearly convey the urgency of the issue” mean?

Conveying urgency means explaining why your topic matters now and what is at stake if the problem remains unaddressed. This involves discussing real-world consequences—for individuals, communities, institutions, or society as a whole. Use statistics, case examples, and scholarly analysis to demonstrate the scope and severity of the issue.

How many sources do I need, and how should I use them?

You need at least five sources total, with at least three being academic research sources. Use these sources to support your claims through direct quotations and paraphrases. Each source should serve a specific purpose—providing evidence, offering a counterargument, or establishing context. Avoid simply summarizing sources; instead, engage with them critically to advance your own argument.

Why This Matters in Practice

Understanding the #MeToo movement and its implications extends beyond academic exercise. Sexual harassment remains pervasive across industries, with significant costs to individuals and organizations. For professionals entering the workforce, knowledge of legal frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and prevention strategies is essential. For leaders and policymakers, this research informs the development of effective interventions. The skills developed through this assignment—critical analysis, evidence-based argumentation, and clear communication—are directly transferable to professional contexts where complex social issues require thoughtful engagement.

Authority and Citation Optimization

This assignment requires engagement with authoritative sources that represent established research and institutional knowledge. The EEOC, academic journals, and scholarly monographs provide the evidentiary foundation for your argument. When citing sources, integrate them naturally into your prose, using signal phrases that establish credibility. Demonstrate awareness of scholarly debates by acknowledging different perspectives and addressing potential counterarguments. This approach signals expertise and enhances the persuasive power of your writing.

References

Aronson, P., & Fleming, M. R. (2024). Gender revolution: How electoral politics and #MeToo are reshaping everyday life. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003456789

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2024). Enforcement guidance on harassment in the workplace. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/harassment

Kantar Public. (2023). Trakasseringsbarometeret 2023: Workplace harassment survey. Kantar Public.

Lonsway, K. A., Cortina, L. M., & Magley, V. J. (2020). The #MeToo movement and organizational responses to sexual harassment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(8), 789–802. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000478

Reinicke, K. (2022). Men after #MeToo: Being an ally in the fight against sexual harassment. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96788-5

White, C., & Monteiro, A. (2024). An exploration of the rape myths effect on the #MeToo movement acceptance in the UK. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 32(5), 722–733. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2024.2346730

Next Assignment (Week 4)

EN240 – Rhetorical Analysis of a #MeToo Apology

For this assignment, students will select one public apology issued by a figure accused of sexual harassment during the #MeToo era and analyze its rhetorical strategies. The analysis should examine the apology’s structure, language choices, appeals to ethos/pathos/logos, and the extent to which it accepts responsibility or deflects blame. Students will write a 4–5 page essay incorporating at least two scholarly sources on apology rhetoric or crisis communication. The essay must include a clear thesis about the apology’s effectiveness or failure and support this argument with close textual analysis. APA documentation is required.

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