SYMBOLIC SEDUCTION IN THE WORKPLACE

This article offers psychodynamic insight into one controversial aspec t of the workplace and addresses the following themes. First, a few wo men who have low self-esteem and who perceive themselves to be attract ive are unconsciously motivated to seek the attention of male authorit y figures to stave off feelings of worthlessness and undesirability. T he concept of symbolic seduction is introduced to explain this phenome non Second, symbolic seduction constitutes a form of sexual harassment . Male authority figures are unconsciously sought out and seduced into finding the woman to be desirable. It is asserted that this behavior is unwelcome by men. Third, these considerations apply equally well to men who suffer from low self-esteem. They seek attachment to and cont rol over women to compensate for frustrated attachment and autonomy ne eds relative to their mothers.