Accepting Quote by Walter Block
![“Consider the sexual harassment which continually occurs between a secretary and a boss . . . while objectionable to many women, [it] is not a coercive action. It is rather part of a package deal in which the secretary agrees to all aspects of the job when she agrees to accept the job, and…” quote by Walter Block](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af6/walter-block-52163_accepting_consider-the-sexual-harassment-which-con_1766533.jpg)
“Consider the sexual harassment which continually occurs between a secretary and a boss . . . while objectionable to many women, [it] is not a coercive action. It is rather part of a package deal in which the secretary agrees to all aspects of the job when she agrees to accept the job, and especially when she agrees to keep the job. The office is, after all, private property. The secretary does not have to remain if the 'coercion' is objectionable.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Defending the U.S. Economy, Walter Block, 1995
The quote argues that workplace sexual harassment is a consensual part of employment terms, not coercion, because the employee can quit if they object.
In simple terms: Harassment is presented as a voluntary job condition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize power dynamics and consent in employment.
Themes
employment
consent
power dynamics
sexual harassment
law
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
ethical
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Hiring
- employee negotiations
- policy making
- legal challenges
Key Concepts
Libertarianism
contract theory
workplace ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power imbalance affect true consent?
- Can quitting be a realistic option for all workers?
A Different Perspective
The claim overlooks inherent power imbalance and pressure to stay employed.
![“By depriving the charged person of any defenses [the rulings] mean that sexual dalliance, however voluntarily engaged in, becomes harassment whenever an employee sees fit, after the fact, so to characterize it.” quote by Robert Bork](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e0/robert-bork-16437_defense_by-depriving-the-charged-person-of-any-d_2332528.jpg)
