Perceived male sex orientation and beliefs about rape

This paper examines the relationship between male sex role orientation and beliefs in rape myths. Five variables were controlled: religious belief (fundamentalist), academic interest (nonarts and arts), sister relationship, and maternal employment. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire mailed to 400 male college students randomly chosen from selected academic areas. Tests of correlation were used to analyze these data. The results indicate (1) male sex role orientation is significantly correlated with general belief in rape myths; (2) religion (fundamentalist), academic interest (arts), and sister variable significantly increased the strength of the sex role/general rape belief relationship; and (3) male sex role orientation is significantly correlated with five specific rape myths.