Causes of Rape

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that rape theory is a complex issue from the criminologist's perspective. On the one hand, it is a traumatic event which has long-term consequences not always recognized in law, and on the other, rape is exceedingly difficult to prosecute successfully. The writer looks at two opposing theories of rape that are 'trait theory' and 'social learning theory'. The former suggests that rape is a biological imperative while the latter suggests that it is a consequence of outside influences, such as porn or upbringing. The writer maintains that while these are clearly not the only theories out there, a comparison between the two demonstrates just how confusing and contradictory are current ideas about the causes of rape. The writer concludes that neither of these theories is wholly satisfactory when considered alone, but by combining these theories, it is possible to consider the causes of rape individually, and apply whichever theory bears the most resemblance to the crime committed.

From the Paper:

"This is clearly ignoring the fact that the majority of rapes are committed by men known to the victim - dress surely cannot be a factor there, and to suggest otherwise is, as feminists have observed, equivalent to saying that people should consider the effect that carrying money will have on potential muggers. In general, Thornhill and Palmer have not considered that the greater number of rapists attack women familiar to them: therefore attractiveness or otherwise cannot be relevant. They are instead discussing Stranger-rape, a limited occurrence. Social theorists of rape point out that ... "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bindel, Julie (2007) "Why is Rape so Easy to get Away With?" The Guardian, February 1, 2007
• Isom, Margaret Delores. (1998) "Albert Bandura: The Social Learning Theory" http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/bandura.htm
• Thornhill, R and Palmer, C (2001) "Rape and Evolution: a Reply to our Critics" in A Natural History of Rape: Biological Bases of Sexual Coercion MIT press.
• Steinberg, N. Tooney, N. Sutton, C. and Denmark, F (2000) "Just why Do men Rape?" New York Academy of Sciences, May/June 2000
• Walker, Matt (2001) "Insult to Injury" New Scientist June 20, 2001

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