Document Type
Thesis
First Faculty Advisor
Ronald Deluga
Second Faculty Advisor
Thomas Roach
Keywords
gender roles; sexual assault; rape culture
Publisher
Bryant University
Rights Management
CC-BY-NC-ND
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between gender roles and rape culture in society in order to promote awareness of the harmful impacts that promoting gender stereotypes can have on society. A survey that was presented to 143 adults over the age of 18 was conducted to highlight the aforementioned relationship. The survey addressed the extent to which respondents feel they have been taught/exposed to these gender stereotypes, as well as gauged their opinions on factors related to sexual assault. The data did not indicate a correlation between gender roles and rape culture, however, it did present some key findings. The conclusions of this study found that 1) the majority of people are exposed to gender roles throughout their lives, 2) people tend to believe that men hold more power in sexual relations as a result of society, and 3) many people believe that society has become too tolerant of sexual assault. These conclusions suggest that gender roles play a prominent role in how we view sexual relationships in society, which can ultimately lead to detrimental consequences such as rape.
