Citation

Baron L, Straus MA. Soc. Probl. 1987; 34(5): 467-489.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Society for the Study of Social Problems, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical model that integrates four macrosociological theories rape. One theory holds that rape is a mechanism of gender inequality. A second theory attributes rape to the proliferation of pornographic materials. A third, called cultural spillover theory, maintains that cultural norms which favor violence for socially legitimate purposes tend to be generalized to other social contexts and increase the likelihood of rape. And a final theory holds that social disorganization reduces social constraints against rape. We tested the theoretical model using 1980-1982 data on rapes known to the police in the 50 states of the United States. The results show that gender inequality, social disorganization, percent residing in SMSAs, the circulation of pornography, economic inequality, and percent unemployed had direct effects on the incidence of rape. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Social Problems, 1987. Copyright © 1987 by the Society for the Study of Social Problems; the University of California Press)

Rape Causes
Sexual Assault Causes
Theory
Sociocultural Factors
Gender Roles
Gender Discrimination
Adult Offender
Adult Male
Adult Violence
Male Offender
Male Violence
Pornography Effects
Media Factors
Violence Against Women
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