RMA and Demographic Variables

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Thesis

The article discusses a study that was conducted to find out the public’s view on rape. Specifically, this study “investigates the relationship of RMA with demographic variables, intolerant belief systems, and ideological attitudes in a representative sample of German residents,” (Süssenbach and Bohner, 2011, p. 377). RMA stands for rape myths acceptance. According to Süssenbach and Bohner, RMA “serves as an interpretative schema for dealing with information about sexual violence, yielding judgments that are biased against victims, and in favor of perpetrators,” (2011, p. 374). The study was designed to assess the acceptance of rape myths.

One issue, specifically for women, is that rape myth acceptance creates an “illusion of invulnerability.” For males, it tends to increase the chances of sexually violent behavior directly and indirectly. According to this study, “rape myths have been conceptualized as stereotypes [Lonsway and Fitzgerald, 1994] resulting in intolerance toward female victims of sexual violence,” (Süssenbach and Bohner, 2011, p. 374). If this theory is correct, RMA is a myth that negatively affects society.

Methods

The researchers had a professional survey institute, in 2010; conduct standardized telephone interviews to German households. In order to enhance representativeness, they included all possible telephone numbers; even unlisted numbers, by using a number generation method and 4.8 percent of the participants were reached via cellphone. There were 397 adult participants ranging from ages 16 to 90. Within that sample, the majority of them lived in West Germany and covered all levels of education and occupations.

The researchers studied eleven intolerant belief systems by using a four-point res...

... middle of paper ...

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It would be best to see this study conducted across the world, especially in the United States. This study should be repeated in order to achieve better representativeness, such as more males and young adults. However, the methods should stay the same. Studies like these are needed to obtain a better understanding of the extent to which rape myths are accepted.

Works Cited

Lonsway, K. A., & Fitzgerald, L. F. (1994). Rape myths. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 18(2), 133. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9407012983&site=ehost-live

Süssenbach, P., & Bohner, G. (2011). Acceptance of sexual aggression myths in a representative sample of German residents. Aggressive Behavior, 37(4), 374-385. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cja&AN=60732000&site=ehost-live

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