Catcalling

Catcalling is a form of street harassment that involves unsolicited verbal comments or gestures in public spaces, often with sexualized or demeaning content. Common examples include whistles, shouts, crude remarks, or gestures directed at someone who has not invited such attention. While some describe it as harmless flirting, most definitions emphasize its non-consensual and intimidating nature. Catcalling is most commonly reported by women and gender minorities, though it can target people of any gender.

Forms and contexts: It typically occurs on sidewalks, in shopping areas, transit hubs, or other public settings. Variants range from loud calls to lewd jokes, crude compliments, or nonverbal signals. The behavior is distinguished from consensual interaction by the absence of invitation, the presence of power imbalance, and potential threat rather than playful intent.

Impact: Catcalling can provoke fear, anxiety, and a reduced sense of safety, leading to avoidance of public spaces and daily disruption. It is considered part of broader street harassment and gender-based harassment in many societies.

Policy and responses: Legal and policy responses vary. Some jurisdictions classify persistent harassment as an offense; others rely on public campaigns, bystander interventions, or urban design changes to deter such behavior. Critics argue that addressing catcalling requires changing social norms and empowering targets.

Cultural context: There is ongoing debate about free expression versus harassment, with norms differing across cultures. The consensus among advocates is that unwanted, non-consensual comments in public spaces undermine safety and equality.