Check, J. V., & Malamuth, N. (1985).
International Journal of Women’s Studies, 8(4), 414-423.
Abstract
Presents aspects of the feminist viewpoint as empirically testable hypotheses about rape and examines research evidence relating to (1) the normality of rape, (2) the pervasiveness of rape and sexual coercion, (3) rape myths and their influence, and (4) the effects of sexual violence against women in the mass media. It is suggested that research findings support central tenets of feminist theory.
Evidence indicates support for the hypothesis that rape and forced sexuality are widespread and to an extent acceptable in North American society, that rape is not exclusively the product of bent and twisted minds, that beliefs in rape myths are linked to acts of aggression against women, and that sexual violence in the mass media plays a significant role in the fostering of rape myths and in the acceptance of rape and other forms of violence against women. Areas not yet addressed by researchers include the contention that rape is a hostile, aggressive rather than a sexual act.
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