A “rape victim” by any other name
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Jericho M. Hockett
Abstract
Our purpose in this chapter was to examine the power in and behind two labels – “rape victim” and “rape survivor” – commonly applied to women who have been raped, especially in the psychological literature. Thus, we examined past theory and research pertaining to power, language, and the language of rape, including evidence regarding the self-conceptualizations of women who have been raped. We then reported four recent studies on differences in individuals’ perceptions of women who are labeled as “rape victims” versus “rape survivors”. Finally, we discussed the intrapersonal, social, and political power of rape language, and offered suggestions for application and future research.
Abstract
Our purpose in this chapter was to examine the power in and behind two labels – “rape victim” and “rape survivor” – commonly applied to women who have been raped, especially in the psychological literature. Thus, we examined past theory and research pertaining to power, language, and the language of rape, including evidence regarding the self-conceptualizations of women who have been raped. We then reported four recent studies on differences in individuals’ perceptions of women who are labeled as “rape victims” versus “rape survivors”. Finally, we discussed the intrapersonal, social, and political power of rape language, and offered suggestions for application and future research.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The expression of inequality in interaction. Power, dominance and status 1
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Part I. Focus on third persons
- Representing inequality in language 17
- Sexual network partners in Tanzania 49
- A “rape victim” by any other name 81
- Unveiling the phantom of the "Islamic takeover" 105
- Power eliciting elements at the semantic-pragmatic interface 143
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Part II. Focus on speaker/author
- Powerless language 165
- A true authoritarian type 193
- We and I , and you and them 213
- Language, normativity and power 239
- Subject index 265
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The expression of inequality in interaction. Power, dominance and status 1
-
Part I. Focus on third persons
- Representing inequality in language 17
- Sexual network partners in Tanzania 49
- A “rape victim” by any other name 81
- Unveiling the phantom of the "Islamic takeover" 105
- Power eliciting elements at the semantic-pragmatic interface 143
-
Part II. Focus on speaker/author
- Powerless language 165
- A true authoritarian type 193
- We and I , and you and them 213
- Language, normativity and power 239
- Subject index 265
