The Effect of Male and Female Rape Myth Acceptance on Jurors’ Blame Attributions

• In Event: Sexual Assault and Rape Myths

Abstract

Past research has shown that rape myths and traditional gender role stereotypes affect how people attribute blame to victims and perpetrators of sexual assault. Jury decisions in rape cases are likewise influenced by extralegal factors, such as the victim’s resistance. Most studies only focus on the acceptance of rape myths about female victims, while myths about male victims are largely ignored. Studies that do investigate male rape perceptions often use stereotypical scenarios that are uncommon in real life. It is unknown how female rape myth acceptance (FRMA) and male rape myth acceptance (MRMA) may affect victim and perpetrator blame attributions differently in more ecologically valid scenarios. Using a randomized vignette design, the current study investigates the effect of rape myth acceptance and gender attitudes on victim/perpetrator blame attributions in intimate partner and acquaintance rape scenarios that vary in level of resistance. Results show that both FRMA and MRMA are positively associated with victim blame and negatively associated with perpetrator blame. Contrary to expectations, MRMA does not have a larger effect on male rape perceptions than FRMA has on female rape perceptions, nor does jury membership minimize the effect of extralegal factors on blame attributions.

Authors

• Suzanne S Coble, Arizona State University

• Cassia Spohn, Arizona State University