Attitudes towards Marital Rape: A Cross-Cultural Study between Young Adults in the United Kingdom and India

Abstract

The research in the area of marital rape remains limited even though the topic has generated an increased identification in past two decades. This research project aimed to examine the attitudes towards marital rape among young adults (age ranging from 18-29) of two different countries (the United Kingdom and India). The aim of this study was analysed by using voluntary survey method: Bristol Online Survey (BOS) for external participants and Sona, an online system for recruiting psychology undergraduates of Coventry University. The study investigated attitudes of young adults (n=145; 76 males and 69 females) by adopting online questionnaire and vignette (Rape Supportive Attributions and Victim Blame Attributions). The results indicated that, participants irrespective of their gender, race, marital status or socio-economic status reported to endorse false rape myth to a minimal level and is normally sympathetic towards rape victims. It was also found that males in U.K rationalize the scenario of rape as they regard marital rape as an accidental act from the part of perpetrator. However, findings of this research may provide some important insight to the implication of polices to prevent marital rape and assist victims. The study also warrants future research on general population, various nations and may also assist to modify the law and order of Indian Judiciary System where marital rape is not considered as a crime in the country.