Attitudes Toward Rape Among African American Male and Female College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how African American male and female college students differ in their attitudes concerning rape. Two‐hundred and ten college students completed a 12‐item questionnaire designed to measure their views toward this issue. A 2‐group multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences between African American men and women, with men being more accepting of stereotypes and myths about rape. These differences are discussed in the context of sexism and rape myths. Strategies for changing students' attitudes toward rape are proposed.