Definitions of Rape: Scientific and Political Implications

Abstract

Definitions set the parameters of research and influence the results and conclusions. It is thus crucial that researchers critically examine definitions and terms, particularly in fields that use popular terms likely to be influenced by the unacknowledged biases and political concerns of the dominant group. The study of sexual assault is such a field, and therefore this article examines researchers' definitions of sexual assault, rape, and related terms. Definitions vary along several dimensions, including (a) the sexual behaviors specified, (b) the criteria for establishing nonconsent, (c) the individuals specified, and (d) the perspective specified—that is, who decides whether sexual assault has occurred. For each dimension, the article discusses implications for researchers' results and conclusions, underlying assumptions, and political ramifications.

Emotion dysregulation and risky sexual behavior in revictimization

“…This measure was modified to assess specific sexual experiences since age 14 in greater detail (e.g., additional questions were added regarding oral-genital contact). Questions regarding alcohol-facilitated victimization were modified according to suggestions by Muehlenhard, Powch, Phelps, and Giusti (1992). Rape was defined as completed, unwanted oral-genital, vaginal, or anal penetration due to the woman's inability to consent or resist due to her level of intoxication (due to alcohol or drugs) or due to threats or use of physical force.…”

Attraction to Sexual Violence Towards Women, Sexual Abuse of Children, and Non-Sexual Criminal Behavior: Testing the Specialist vs. Generalist Models in Male College Students

“…Four methods of coercion (due to arguments, misuse of authority, inability to give consent because of alcohol or drug use by the victim, and physical force) were assessed for each completed activity, and two methods of coercion (alcohol or drugs and physical force) were assessed for each attempted activity, resulting in a total of 24 questions. Phrasing of questions regarding alcohol and drug use was modified and modeled after that used by Muehlenhard, Powch, Phelps, and Giusti (1992). The set of 24 questions was administered three times to assess perpetration of unwanted sexual contact with (1) girlfriends/ boyfriends, dates or acquaintances; (2) with spouses; and, (3) with strangers (this language was gender neutral, as the measure was designed to be administered to both men and women and to account for assaults against a same sex victim).…”

Sexual Victimization, Fear of Sexual Powerlessness, and Cognitive Emotion Dysregulation as Barriers to Sexual Assertiveness in College Women

“…The original 10-item SES was modified to include 14 additional questions assessing for various forms of sexual contact (e.g., kissing and fondling, oral-genital contact), attempted or accomplished through various methods of coercion (e.g., persistent arguments, physical force). Questions regarding alcohol and substance use were altered using phrasing developed by Muehlenhard, Powch, Phelps, and Giusti (1992).…”