Rape victim and perpetrator blame and the Just World hypothesis: The influence of victim gender and age

Strömwall, Leif A.; Alfredsson, Helen; Landström, Sara

doi:10.1080/13552600.2012.683455

Cited by 60 publications

(69 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The role of gender, ambivalent sexism, rape myth acceptance, and rape empathy has received much academic attention and all these variables were shown to predict victim blaming. While considering gender differences, most studies showed that men are more likely to blame the victim (e.g., Anderson & Lyons, 2005;Black & Gold, 2008;Durán et al, 2010;Ferrão et al, in press;Gölge et al, 2003;Grubb & Harrower, 2009;Harrison et al, 2008;Schneider et al, 2009;Yamawaki & Tschanz, 2005), but others failed to replicate such findings (e.g., Cohn et al, 2009;Frese et al, 2004;Mandela, 2011;Newcombe et al, 2008;Rye et al, 2006;Strömwall et al, 2013).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Yet, there is mixed evidence as to whether female victim blaming is affected by gendered perceptions. Different studies show that gender does not impact upon female victim blaming (e.g., Cohn, Dupuis, & Brown, 2009;Frese et al, 2004;Mandela, 2011;Newcombe et al, 2008;Rye, Greatix, & Enright, 2006;Strömwall, Alfredsson, & Landström, 2013;Viki & Abrams, 2002;Whatley, 2005). This propensity has been shown across different cultures, namely American (e.g., Rye et al, 2006), Swedish , Australian (e.g., Newcombe et al, 2008), and Spanish (e.g., Frese et al, 2004).…”

Section: An Overview Of Rape Victim Blaming Observer Gendermentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rape Crimes Reviewed: The Role of Observer Variables in Female Victim Blaming

Ferrão

Gonçalves

2015

Psychol. Thought

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This article presents an overview of empirical research on the role of observer variables in rape victim blaming (female attacked by a male perpetrator). The focus is on literature from the last 15 years. The variables observer gender, ambivalent sexism, rape myth acceptance, and rape empathy are discussed in relation to victim blaming. Most research on rape is conducted using diverse methods and approaches that result in a great disparity regarding the role of these variables in predicting blame assignments. Despite the inconsistencies, most studies show that men hold the victim more responsible for her own victimization than women. Findings further indicate that higher scores on sexist ideologies and rape myth acceptance predict higher victim blame, and that higher rape empathy scores predict lower victim blame. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: An Overview Of Rape Victim Blaming Observer Gendermentioning

confidence: 99%

Rape Crimes Reviewed: The Role of Observer Variables in Female Victim Blaming

Ferrão

Gonçalves

2015

Psychol. Thought

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“…Research has most often found that men blame the victim to a larger extent than women (e.g., Cowan, 2000; Whatley & Riggio, 1993). However, some studies do not found gender differences in victim blame levels (e.g., Newcombe, van den Eynde, Hafner, & Jolly, 2008; Strömwall, Alfredsson, & Landström, 2011), and a few studies have found higher levels of victim blaming by female participants (see Grubb & Harrower, 2008, for a review). Studies suggest that if a rape victim is considered blameworthy, the level of blame attributed to the perpetrator should be reduced (e.g., Krahé, 1991; Whatley & Riggio, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blame attributions and rape: Effects of belief in a just world and relationship level

Strömwall

Alfredsson

Landström

2012

Legal Criminol Psychol

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Purpose. The blaming of rape victims can cause secondary victimization. It is of importance to investigate factor that might lead to victim blaming. This study investigated the effect of belief in a just world (BJW), gender of participant, and level of relationship closeness between victim and perpetrator on attributions of both victim and perpetrator blame. Methods.In a between-subjects experiment, a community sample (N = 166) answered questions of victim blame and perpetrator blame after reading one of four scenarios, each depicting a different level of relationship between the victim and the perpetrator (strangers, acquaintances, dating, or married). Results.Overall, high levels of perpetrator blame and low levels of victim blame were found. Contrary to previous research, the victim of a stranger rape was blamed more than when the perpetrator was known to the victim. Furthermore, participants high on BJW attributed higher levels of victim blame and lower levels of perpetrator blame. Specifically, female participants high on BJW attributed most blame to a victim of stranger rape. Conclusions.In conclusion, BJW was a significant predictor of blame attributions, and relationship type is a variable that merits further research.

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“…Also, research bears evidence that women blame rape victims less than males [27,28]. In certain studies no gender differences were observed regarding victim blame ( [29,30]. However, in some studies more victim blame was observed among females [31].…”

Section: Rape Myths and Rape Related Attitudesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Young Adults’ Attitudes towards Rape and Rape Victims: Effects of Gender and Social Category

Singh¹

2017

JPCPY

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Violence against women, especially rapes, has been a pervasive problem in the society. It is well documented that victims of rape not only experience serious short and longterm psychological harm as a direct result of the assault, but may also be stigmatized by others (e.g., be blamed for not resisting enough). While there are sufficient studies in the developed countries that have examined how various gender and other ideologies relate to prejudiced attitudes toward rape victims, much less work has been done in developing nations such as India. Because of increased incidents of rapes in the recent past, it becomes increasingly necessary to understand the attitude people form towards rape and rape victims. Thus the present study was planned to understand the prevalent rape myths and attitudes of young adults, and to explore gender and social identity as factors influencing the attitudes towards rape and rape victims. A total of 208 participants, both males and females responded to a Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Attitude towards Victims Scale and Causal Attribution towards Sexual Violence Scale. Results indicated that compared to male respondents, females hold lesser rape myths but have more negative attitude towards victims of rape. Results also reveal the significant effects of social category and gender on causal attribution for sexual violence. The results of this study are important in improving our understanding of the attitudes young adults hold towards rape and rape victims and present a need to develop strategies to dispel negative stereotypes that individuals hold about victims of rape.

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Rape victim and perpetrator blame and the Just World hypothesis: The influence of victim gender and age

Cited by 60 publications

References 24 publications

Rape Crimes Reviewed: The Role of Observer Variables in Female Victim Blaming

Rape Crimes Reviewed: The Role of Observer Variables in Female Victim Blaming

Blame attributions and rape: Effects of belief in a just world and relationship level

Young Adults’ Attitudes towards Rape and Rape Victims: Effects of Gender and Social Category

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