Attitudes toward victims of rape: Effects of gender, race, religion, and social class

Although previous literature focusing on perceptions of victims of rape has examined how gender, race, and culture influence the attitudes one holds toward victims, these studies have yielded mixed results. This study compared perceptions of victims of rape across a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, religions, and income levels, while focusing on gender and racial differences. Results indicate (N = 220) that victims of rape are generally viewed more sympathetically by females than by males and by Whites than by African Americans. However, the effect of race disappears when socioeconomic variables are controlled, suggesting a more complex relationship. Also, a hierarchical regression indicates that age, sex, education, and income are significant predictors of attitudes toward victims. This study builds on existing research that examines such attitudes from a cultural perspective and extends this literature by examining the interactive effects of several demographic variables within a community sample
Author: 
Nagel,Barbara
Matsuo,Hisako
McIntyre,Kevin P.
Morrison,Nancy
Reprint Status: 
IN FILE
Start Page: 
725
End Page: 
737
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume: 
20
Issue: 
6
Abstract: 
Previous studies examining attitudes toward victims of rape have often been limited by being incorporated into larger studies, instead of focusing exclusively on attitudes, and have relied mostly on college-aged samples. This study, however, randomly sampled 1,000 residents from St. Louis, Missouri resulting in 220 respondents completing the Attitude Toward Rape Victim Scale (ARVS) along with a demographics questionnaire. Results yielded significant group differences that seem to suggest the relationship between race and socioeconomic status concerning attitudes toward rape victims is complex. Moreover, age, sex, educational level, and income were found to be significant predictors in determining attitudes toward victims. For example, females and individuals with higher levels of education were more likely to express sympathetic attitudes toward victims of rape, in contrast to the attitudes expressed by older individuals in this study.
Topic Areas: 
Community Attitudes/Responses, Myths/Stereotypes, Racial/Ethnic Differences
Reference Type: 
JOUR
Reference ID: 
2346
Publication Date: 
2005/06/01