Subtle Rape Myths, Patriarchal Attitudes, and Class Qualities at a University: Curriculum Implications for Undergraduate Criminal Justice Majors

• In Event: Sexual Assaults on College Campuses: Overcoming Rape Myths and Methodological Challeneges

Abstract

The relationship between subtle rape myths, gender role attitude, the number of courses in which the information on sexual assault, rape, gender issues, and victimology was included and the quality of such information will be investigated in an undergraduate criminology/criminal justice sample. Specifically, the present study will examine whether the educational variables are associated with lower belief in rape myths, after controlling demographic variables and patriarchal attitude. Participants were 419 criminology/Criminal Justice (CCJ) undergraduate students from a large Eastern university. The results from CCJ students will be compared with results from 30 Women’s Studies Minors. The findings will be discussed and we will offer suggestions for criminology/Criminal Justice Curriculum regarding the topic of rape myths.

Authors

• Bitna Kim, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Jaeyong Choi, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Hali Santiago, Chatham University