This book looks at rape myths and rape culture within the university environment, examining the development of social identities in the creation and support of such culture. Building on a four-year research project, this book demonstrates how an understanding of rape culture and of the falsity of rape myths amongst students and staff at university is often at odds with an understanding of the degree to which sexual assaults take place, and of why they take place.
This book explores how traditionally held beliefs of sex roles between men and women, poor conceptions of consent processes, lack of available data, and an inability to see the full continuum of sexual assault limit the knowledge of sexual assaults inside the university community. Taken together the studies demonstrate how socialized social identities of masculinity and femininity hold power in how consent, sexual assaults, and sexual behaviors manifest through cultural values of rape myths and hook-ups. Universities are challenged to examine their sexual assault programming in connection to Title IX and beyond to create educational opportunities about rape culture and rape myths suitable for their students, faculty, and staff.
Written in a clear and direct style, this is essential reading for all those engaged in research about rape culture, sexual assault, and violence against women.
Introduction 1.Interpreting the Necessities 2.Building Rape Myth Perceptions 3.Deconstructing Student Confusion and Bewilderment 4.Creating Identity in Roles, Statuses, and Characteristics 5.Opening the University Culture Conclusion
Biography
Jennifer L. Huck is an associate professor at Carroll University in Wisconsin. She obtained her doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Criminology. She has worked in the criminal justice system as a legal assistant in prosecutorial and defense, and as a case manager for the Milwaukee Municipal Court. Her research interests include aspects of criminal justice policy and theory in connection with university students, women, and juveniles.
"Huck examines rape culture and rape myth acceptance in higher education through a series of studies. Currently, many in college and university settings are seeking to combat these issues in a meaningful way. If acted on appropriately, findings from this collection should help college and university communities become safer and protect their most vulnerable populations from sexual violence."
Jason D. Spraitz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
"In a time when rape culture is more dominant than ever, this book dispels myths and exposes the reality of this issue. Huck poses many questions throughout, making even the most avid researcher question their own inherent biases. This book is a must for any college student, and honestly all of society."
Katie Ely, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Lock Haven University
"Huck takes the reader on an educational journey, for all levels, through the varying sections of our culture, specifically highlighting important taboo topics of sexual assaults and rape culture. Through the use of pivotal research and thought-provoking questions, Huck positively challenges our cultural norms in hopes to solicit a critical cultural shift."
Tiarra Irish, LPC-IT, NCC, Catalpa Health and Wellness
"With a thorough presentation of original, mixed-methodology research, Huck presents a deeper study of the circumstances that promote sexual assaults occurring on college and university campuses. Her examination of rape myths is grounded in theory that combines an understanding of feminism, culture, and identity and challenges existing systems of belief."
Daniel Lee, Ph.D, Full Professor of Criminology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
"With a laser focus on getting to the root causes, Jennifer Huck presents a critically important, much-needed, and participant-centered call to action for all universities to go beyond short educational programming on sexual assault to initiating an action-oriented dialogue and creating a lasting blueprint on how to "chip away at rape culture’s hold." Jennifer Huck’s work is not only a must-read for all those working at the university level, but all those who wish to "move into identities of love, empathy, and compassion," as she so eloquently puts it."
Kate E. Masley, Ph.D., Medical Anthropologist and Special Lecturer in Health Sciences, Oakland University
