Rape or Homicide: Which Is Worse?

Some people believe rape is just as serious as homicide, or more serious, contrary to law. We examined the prevalence of this belief and whether it reflects an individual’s political ideology and moral foundations. Analyses were based on a national YouGov survey of 1,125 US adults gathered in 2021. We found that only 26% of respondents believed rape was less serious than homicide. Most (61%) believed rape and homicide were equally serious, while 13% believed rape was more serious. Social progressives (particularly progressive women) were more likely than social conservatives to view rape as more serious or just as serious as homicide. However, this tendency was partially offset by the tendency of social progressives to view harm as a key factor in judging the morality of a behavior. We suggest that social progressives view rape more seriously than social conservatives because of their concern for gender inequality, but this concern is partially offset by their concern with harm.

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02799-w

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Work Title Rape or Homicide: Which Is Worse?
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Richard B. Felson
  2. Eric Silver
Keyword
  1. crime seriousness
  2. progressive ideology
  3. gender
  4. moral foundation theory
  5. rape
  6. homicide
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Archives of Sexual Behavior
Publication Date January 24, 2024
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02799-w
Deposited July 04, 2024

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Version 1
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  • Created
  • Added Felson_Silver_2024_Rape_or_Homicide-_Which_Is_Worse_.pdf
  • Added Creator Richard B. Felson
  • Added Creator Eric Silver
  • Published
  • Updated
  • Updated Keyword, Publication Date Show Changes
    Keyword
    • crime seriousness, progressive ideology, gender, moral foundation theory, rape, homicide
    Publication Date
    • 2024-01-01
    • 2024-01-24