An exploration of the rape myths effect on the #MeToo movement acceptance in the UK

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

In the last few years, the global community witnessed the rise of the #MeToo movement followed by its later backlash. Aiming to get a better understanding of the movement, this study explored how rape myths might be associated with the acceptance of the #metoo movement. Through an online survey, 76 participants from the UK, aged between 18 and 60, responded to the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMAS)–Revised and a short questionnaire on the #MeToo movement. Results showed there was a significant relationship between rape myth acceptance and negative perceptions of the #MeToo movement. Moreover, the subcategories of the IRMAS, 'it wasn't really rape' and 'she lied', had the biggest relationship and effect on opinions about the #MeToo movement. This might suggest that dismissal and disregard of abusive acts, linked to gender stereotypes, is associated with the resistance towards the #metoo movement.