Abstract
M.A.
Without prejudice to race or culture, rape is the hurt of both males and females of all ages. Rape can be one of the most devastating emotional events in a person’s life, the effects of which are entrenched for life (Rozee & Koss, 2001). Motives underscoring the need to commit rape have received much attention in the literature. Evolutionary theorists such as Thornhill and Palmer (2000) report that sexual needs and reproduction are the primary motivational factors. Feminist theorists believe that men rape because they are angry and that the act of rape is an expression of their anger (Brownmiller, 1975; Mardorossian, 2002). Behavioural researchers argue that rapists are sexually excited by the ‘wrong stimuli’ (Polaschek, Ward & Hudson, 1997). Given these varying explanations, it is clear that the answer to the question, ‘why do men rape?’ is far more complex than one might anticipate. It is evident from the statistics that rape is one of the leading crimes in South Africa (Shapiro, 1999). Through critical reflection and analyses, this study explores the relevant literature on perpetrators of rape.
In attempting to answer the question, “why do men rape?’ several factors are involved such as, socialisation, media, men’s biology, aggression and psychopathology. Following an extensive review of the literature, there seems to be a scarcity of studies researching the perceptions and experiences of rapists.