Why Do Men Rape? An Evolutionary Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Rape of women by men has occurred throughout recorded history and across cultures. In this article, we discuss rape from an evolutionary psychological perspective. Evolutionary psychology is a powerful heuristic tool that allows researchers to develop and test novel hypotheses about complex behaviors such as rape. Some researchers have argued that men have evolved psychological mechanisms that motivate them to rape in specific contexts. We discuss evidence consistent with this claim, and argue that a more nuanced view of men's rape behavior is necessary. We propose that it may be useful to characterize rapists as belonging to one of several types, distinguished by individual differences as well as by the circumstances in which they are predicted to commit rape. We discuss research evidence in support of each rapist type, as well as the need for future research. Finally, we discuss research concerning women's rape-avoidance psychology and behavior.

Sexual conflict in humans: evolutionary consequences of asymmetric parental investment and paternity uncertainty

“…Indeed, sexual conflict in humans is a growing field of study among evolutionary psychologists, and many researchers have studied conflict over sexual access (e.g., McKibbin et al, 2008) conflict that occurs during and after mating (e.g., , and conflict occurring that occurs after conception (e.g., Anderson et al, 2007), for example. Arnqvist and Rowe's (2005) reluctance to discuss sexual conflict in humans in their monograph, Sexual Conflict, might be attributable to the different empirical approaches Sexual Conflict in Humans p.11 employed by behavioral ecologists and evolutionary psychologists.…”

“…It is yet undetermined whether the psychology associated with rape is an adaptation that was directly selected for or a byproduct of other psychological mechanisms (e.g., McKibbin et al, 2008), but what is known is that sexual coercion is a consequence of conflict over sexual access. It follows from parental investment theory that men will have a stronger desire for sexual variety and will be more sexually persistent, whereas women will be more sexually restricted (Buss & Schmitt, 1993;Schaller & Murray, 2008;Schmitt, 2005).…”

Individual Differences in Women’s Rape Avoidance Behaviors

“…Research evidence suggests that would-be rapists also may prefer and target more attractive women, in order to maximize the probability of conception (Ghiglieri, 2000;Greenfield, 1997;Kilpatrick et al, 1992;McKibbin, Shackelford, Goetz, & Starratt, 2008;Thornhill & Palmer, 2000;Thornhill & Thornhill, 1983).…”

Informatics About Fear to Report Rapes Using Bumped-Up Poisson Model

“…Abrahms et al (2003); McKibbin et al (2008); Marnie et al (2005); Thornhill and Palmer (2000); Pauwels (2002) and Buddie and Miller (2001) for details. It is a concern to their families and healthcare professionals.…”