A PRELIMINARY-STUDY OF 8TH GRADE STUDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARD RAPE MYTHSAND WOMENS ROLES

This preliminary study examined the relationship between sex-role ster eotypes of women and beliefs in rape myths among adolescents. A 35-ite m survey was completed by 211 female and males in eighth grade health classes. Findings indicate both females and males accept some rape myt hs and sex-role stereotyping of women. The data also indicated an asso ciation between belief in rape myths and sex-role stereotyping of wome n. Few racial and age differences emerged. The most profound differenc es involved gender. Most adolescents rejected rape myths, but 1O% of g irls mid 30% of boys tended to accept rape myths. Most females (98.2%) and males (83.3%) rejected sex-role stereotypes of women. According t o feminist perspective, sex-role stereotyping of women's role in socie ty is associated with tolerance of sexual violence toward women.