Sexism - Relationship Between Rape and Misogyny

Relationship Between Rape and Misogyny

Research into the factors which motivate perpetrators of rape against women frequently reveals patterns of hatred of women and pleasure in inflicting psychological and/or physical trauma, rather than sexual interest. Researchers have argued that rape is not the result of pathological individuals, but rather systems of male dominance, cultural practices and beliefs that objectify and degrade women.

Mary Odem, Jody Clay-Warner and Susan Brownmiller consider sexist attitudes to be propagated by a series of myths about rape and rapists. They state that contrary to those myths, rapists often plan a rape before they choose a victim and that acquaintance rape is the most common form of rape rather than assault by a stranger. Odem also states that these rape myths propagate sexist attitudes about men by perpetuating the thought that men cannot control their sexuality.

In response to acquaintance rape, the "Men Can Stop Rape" movement has been implemented. The US military has started a similar movement with the tagline "My strength is for defending."