Understanding Community-Specific Rape Myths

Abstract

Using multiple measurement methods offers an opportunity to gain culturally specific information about rape myths. This study focuses on the subculture of student athletes and uses a survey, focus groups, and individual interviews to explore the meaning and role of rape myths. Although the survey indicates a low acceptance of rape myths, this finding is contradicted by the results of the focus groups and individual interviews. Subtle, yet pervasive, rape myths are discovered, as are myths that are unique to the student athlete community. This method provides a framework for social workers to explore rape myths in other communities and to subsequently develop appropriate educational and intervention programs to address and ultimately prevent rape.