Beyond Christianity: The Status of Women and Rape Myths

Abstract

The Edwards et al. (2011) paper is an important review of several rape myths that are prevalent in American culture. When discussing religion, Edwards et al. (2011) present a rather thorough review of the presence of such rape myths in Christianity but lack a discussion of rape myths in other religions. Given the profound influence of religion on culture, notably the treatment of women, it is important to go beyond Christianity in a discussion of rape myths. Although there is much attention given to the treatment of women in Islam, the current paper will address religions that often receive less attention as well. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the treatment of women and the use of rape myths in non-Western religions.

Religious Affiliation, Religiosity, Gender, and Rape Myth Acceptance: Feminist Theory and Rape Culture

“…It has been suggested that some religious texts include passages that support rape myths and patriarchal attitudes, and that distorted or selective interpretations of these texts could influence the endorsement of rape myth acceptance (Barlas, 2009;Franiuk & Shain, 2011;Gross, 1993;Mir-Hosseini, 2006). Female chastity, wifely duties, and the ideal women are a few examples of the themes within religious texts that endorse patriarchy and contribute to a culture that excuses men's violence against women (Narasimhan-Madhavan, 2006;Niaz, 2003).…”

Gender-Blind Sexism and Rape Myth Acceptance

“…For example, studies have consistently shown that men are more likely than women to accept rape myths (e.g., Aosved & Long, 2006;Devdas & Rubin, 2007;Franiuk et al, 2008;Iconis, 2008;Kassing & Prieto, 2003;McMahon, 2010;Yamawaki & Tschanz, 2005). Similarly, several scholars have documented the positive correlation between religious beliefs and RMA (see, for example, Edwards et al, 2011;Franiuk & Shain, 2011;Freymeyer, 1997;Sheldon & Parent, 2002). The research on the relationship between race and RMA has often been conflicting.…”

Sexism and Rape Myth Acceptance: The Impact of Culture, Education, and Religiosity

“…Religiosity has also been investigated as a predictor of RMA and sexist attitudes. It has been suggested that specific views and literature such as those that promote female submission and see women as temptresses of men influence unhealthy ideologies about women (Burn & Busso, 2005; Edwards, Turchik, Dardis, Reynolds, & Gidycz, 2011; Franiuk & Shain, 2011; Yancey & Kim, 2008). Less is known, however, how education and religion impact RMA and sexism cross-culturally, particularly in countries with the majority of the population identifying as religious, such as Italy and the United States.…”