Peer Cultures on College Campuses: The Consequences of Students’ Beliefs about Rape on Bystander Intervention

• In Event: 177 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Paper Session. Sex and Drugs: Intersecting Approaches to Social Problems and Pleasures (co-sponsored with Section on Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco)

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a content analysis of college student responses to open-ended survey questions on strategies to prevent sexual and dating violence. In the current context of extensive federal and media attention to the issue of violence against women on college campuses, it is important to treat college students as a “source of knowledge” (Auerbach & Silverstein, 2003). Part one presents the findings. Results indicate that students emphasize party safety (such as a buddy system or keeping an eye on your drink), personal responsibility (e.g., “never go to a party alone” or “wear pants instead of a skirt to the club”) and education/activism as the top three prevention strategies. Part two presents a discussion of the potential consequences of student perceptions that personal behavior (e.g., watching what you drink, wear or do) will prevent rape, especially in the context of current national efforts to encourage bystander intervention (e.g., the It’s On Us campaign). That is, if students believe it is the potential victim’s responsibility to prevent rape, they will only see the stereotypical “real rape” (that involves violence, a weapon and a stranger perpetrator) as “intervention-worthy.” However, this type of rape is the least common type of campus sexual assault. The conclusion of this paper will identify additional educational or prevention efforts that are necessary to genuinely transform peer culture to promote bystander intervention and prevent sexual assaults on college campuses.

Author

• Jane E Palmer, American University