The Causes of Rape

The Causes of Rape: Understanding Individual Differences in Male Propensity for Sexual Aggression examines why some men seem prone to rape, offers probable causes for this inclination, and provides a comprehensive review of scientific studies of coercive sex. The authors look at evidence from studies in evolutionary psychology, psychopathology, and biobehavioralism, and examine the social factors that influence the likelihood of rape, in an effort to understand this heinous act. Theories about rape unfortunately have a history of being unconstrained by empirical knowledge, sometimes with harmful practical consequences that result in inhumane and ineffectual solutions to the problem of rape. The authors remedy this situation with a fact-based exploration of this phenomenon, beginning with a review of coercive sex among animal species and an account of rape throughout history, moving through a discussion of current research on rape, and culminating in a synthesis of research findings that points toward a new explanation of rape. In addition, the authors discuss the practical implications of their research on the assessment and treatment of men who rape. This empirically exhaustive book will be the new standard text on the phenomenon of rape and will help psychologists, social workers, and legal professionals to develop a better understanding of sexual aggression.