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No Means No: A Dual-Route Framework For Understanding and Addressing Rape Acknowledgement from the Manosphere to the Mainstream

Project description

Overlooking “No”: Pathways to Misrecognising Sexual Violence.

Rape remains widespread yet under-recognised, contributing to victim blaming and normalisation of sexual violence. Online misogynistic communities (e.g. the 'manosphere') now broadcast once-fringe ideas of male entitlement and hostility, amplifying the problem. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the NOMEANSNO project investigates two psychological routes that blunt rape acknowledgement: (1) entitlement, which rationalises assault as a man’s 'right'; and (2) false-interpretation, where cognitive and societal biases obscure consent violations even among those who claim to value consent. Using mixed-methods research in Sweden and Hungary, the project will test brief interventions targeting these routes. Results will advance theory, inform culturally sensitive prevention strategies, and equip practitioners with a toolkit to raise awareness and foster social change.

Objective

Rape is a crisis affecting millions globally. Yet, there is a persistent under-acknowledgement of rape, contributing to victim blaming and the normalisation of sexual violence. The rise of the manosphere—online communities promoting misogynistic ideologies—has views that were once fringe, advocating harmful notions of male entitlement and hostility towards women, become mainstream in societal discourses.
Research to date cannot fully explain why rape is under-acknowledged, especially across cultural contexts. This project addresses this gap by testing a novel dual-route framework for understanding rape acknowledgement. The first route, ‘entitlement-hostility,’ examines how some individuals and groups rationalise rape through perceived male entitlement and hostility towards women. The second route, ‘false interpretation,’ explores how cognitive biases and misinterpretations of consent lead to a failure to recognise rape, even among those who believe consent is inviolable. The project's second aim is to develop and test online interventions targeting these two routes, serving as pilots for future large-scale interventions. This approach fills a crucial gap by addressing these dynamics across cultures and radicalised communities, highlighting the need for targeted, culturally sensitive strategies.
The project employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating representative survey studies, qualitative analyses, and experimental online interventions in Sweden and Hungary. Results will advance theoretical understandings of rape acknowledgement and inform the development of contextualised interventions. By disseminating findings through academic publications, a toolkit for stakeholders, and public engagement activities, the project aims to drive social change, reduce rape incidents, and support victims in seeking help. The fellow will also gain vital skills in interdisciplinary research, leadership, and grant management, significantly enhancing her academic career prospects.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

OREBRO UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution
€ 252 180,00
Address
FAKULTETSGATAN 1
70182 Orebro
Sweden
Region
Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Örebro län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data