NCJ Number
138509
Date Published
1989
Length
250 pages
Annotation
This book presents empirical data in support of four seemingly contradictory theories that have been proposed as explanations for rape and integrates them into a single sociocultural theory that accounts for these differences in the incidence of rape.
Abstract
Innovative data bases are used to assess the four theories of rape: rape reflects patterns of male dominance; pornographic material promotes rape; cultural norms approving of violence increase the likelihood of rape; and rape is related to society's disorganization, namely, poorly integrated and unstable communities. The study results provide support for three of the four macrosociological theories of rape included in the integrated model: the theory that gender inequality contributes to rape; the theory that pornography provides ideational support for rape; and the theory that rape is a function of the level of social disorganization in society. No direct support was found for the theory that rape is a direct function of a spillover from aspects of society in which violence is culturally approved. The data showed that the more economic inequality, unemployment, and urbanization in a State, the higher the rape rate. Policies needed to reduce the root causes of rape are identified. 8 figures, 40 tables, 386 references, and 4 appendixes