Evolutionary Psychology of Rape

Paper Summary:

The paper examine the theory propounded by Randy Thornhill and Craig Palmer that rape has evolved as a reproductive strategy, and is a natural, biological phenomenon. The writer of the paper examines in detail Thornhill and Palmer 's theory and their arguments supporting their case. He then examines the theory in the light of existing research and presents the reader with both assenting and opposing arguments as presented by researchers including Jerry Coyne and Leda Cosmides and John Tooby.

From the Paper:

"The aspect of Coyne's argument that appeared the weakest was his due focus on child molestation and homosexual rape. For a man, the act of having sex with a child or with another man is, by definition, maladaptive sexual behavior, because it is impossible for such sex to result in the transmission of genes. Therefore, to use the fact that both children and males are highly represented among rape victims to disprove the concept that rape behavior is the result of evolution is irresponsible science. Consensual homosexual sex is maladaptive sexual behavior, and the gene for homosexuality, if there is one, is not represented in a significant portion of the population. However, the rape gene, if there is one, would have to be highly represented in society, since the percentage of men who have forced sexual contact on a partner is much higher than the percentage of men who have engaged in consensual homosexual contact. Therefore, it is clear that these genes are not the same genes; as a result, one could be homosexual and still carry a gene that combines violence with sexuality. However, one's homosexual orientation would naturally translate that impulse to homosexuals. The same argument could be made for child molestation. Coyne's failure to acknowledge that possibility is his greatest weakness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Coyne, Jerry. "Of Vice and Men: A Case Study in Evolutionary Psychology." The University of Denver Portfolio Community. 2007. The University of Denver. 12 Feb. 2008 <https://portfolio.du.edu/portfolio/getportfoliofile?uid=98279>.
• Thornhill, Randy and Craig T. Palmer. "Why Men Rape." Iranscope.com. 2000. Iran Scope. 12 Feb. 2008 <http://iranscope.ghandchi.com/Anthology/Women/rape.htm>.
• Tooby, John and Leda Cosmides. "Letter to the Editor of The New Republic." The University of Denver Portfolio Community. 2007. The University of Denver. 12 Feb. 2008 <https://portfolio.du.edu/portfolio/getportfoliofile?uid=98280>.

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