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A review of the role of radical feminist theories in the understanding of rape myth acceptance

  • Louise Maxwell
    ,
  • Graham G. Scott
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

Research into rape myth acceptance (RMA) first emerged in the 1970s, when authors such as Brownmiller (1975) and Burt (1980) proposed that rape was a mechanism that allowed men to exert power over women and that the endorsement of rape myths justified this sexual dominance. These influential theories have meant that subsequent definitions of rape myths have failed to acknowledge male victims of serious sexual assault, despite an increase in prevalence rates. More recent research has attempted to explore RMA in relation to male victims, with results suggesting that men are more likely than women to endorse rape myths regarding male victims when the victim is assumed to be homosexual, or when the victim is heterosexual and the perpetrator is female. Brownmiller's theory is challenged and a more holistic view of the importance of sex-role traditionality is explored, while acknowledging the contribution of individual factors relating to the development of RMA. © 2014 © 2014 National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 40-54

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Sexual Aggression (Volume 20, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 27/02/2013

Publication status

Published - 27/02/2013

ISSN

1355-2600

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/624623
  • Scopus: 84897587052

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