Date Rape: A Comparative Analysis and Integration of Theory‪.‬

ABSTRACT: This paper reviews and critiques three dominant perspectives on date and acquaintance rape: socialization, psychopathology and feminist theories. Socialization theories of date rape emphasize gender socialization processes that promote a rape-supportive culture wherein sexual coercion is seen as normal and acceptable behaviour. Psychopathology theories imply that rapists are psychologically maladjusted individuals who represent a small segment of the population. This focus emphasizes that behaviour is derived from within the individual, and not from social interactions. Feminist-based theories have emphasized the patriarchal culture and the unequal power distribution between women and men as causes of date rape. A new model is presented which integrates these three perspectives and provides a more comprehensive explanation of the motivations behind date and acquaintance rape than does any single theoretical model. The implications for defining and studying date rape with this model are discussed. INTRODUCTION