Can I Say “No”? How Power Dynamics Hinder Consent in University Settings
Teaching assertive sexual consent has been emphasized to combat gender-based and sexual violence in higher education (GBSVHE). However, the relationship between sexual consent and GBSVHE is complex, and teaching "say no" seems insufficient to eradicate these issues. This article examines 52 accounts of individuals who were victims of GBSVHE. The qualitative analysis revealed that power dynamics significantly hindered the acknowledgment of nonconsent in university settings, especially through gendered dynamics, social norms, and authority relationships. These findings support the need to raise awareness of the influence of power dynamics, foster ethical conduct, and promote respectful and egalitarian relationships.
Authors
- Marie-Andrée Pelland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9862-5046)
- Karine Baril
- Jacinthe Dion (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2701-6283)
- Ihssane Fethi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7848-7814)
- Lise Savoie
- Sandrine Ricci
- Marie-Hélène Ouellette (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0420-8004)
- Geneviève Paquette (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0950-5569)
- Anne-Sophie Ponsot
- T. Paul
- Cindy Viau
- Manon Bergeron (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7289-4285)
Institutions
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (CA)
- Université de Sherbrooke (CA)
- Université de Moncton (CA)
- Université du Québec à Montréal (CA)
- Université du Québec en Outaouais (CA)
- Université de Montréal (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Violence Against Women
- Published
- 2025-05-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012251338485
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.87
Funders
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada