Lay, professional, and police rape stereotype acceptance in England and Wales: A holistic, mixed-methods overview of the Criminal Justice System

Hermolle, Megan Frances Victoria

Abstract

This thesis examined rape stereotype acceptance and use in England and Wales, viewed through the lens of Social Representations Theory (SRT). Given the high attrition rate and low prosecution rate for rape, the project was a holistic look at stereotyping and its impacts throughout the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The thesis was a mixed-methods multiphase project. Study One explored rape stereotyping in lay populations, and Study Two explored stereotyping in professional populations, both through survey designs. Study Three, a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) examined rape stereotype use in police interviews with rape complainants. Study One found broadly low acceptance levels but perpetrator related stereotypes slightly more likely to be accepted than any other type, with participants more uncertain about this category. Men and Black and Asian people were significantly more likely to accept rape stereotypes than other demographic groups. Study Two also found a low acceptance rate with a higher acceptance rate for perpetrator related stereotypes. Those who had specialist training were significantly less likely to endorse stereotypes, indicating training as the key difference between lays and professionals. Study Three found two themes within the police interview sample in which the interviewer constructed the perpetrator: misunderstanding, and agentless passives. These constructions obscured Mens Rea and shifted responsibility, possibly widening the justice gap. The value of SRT in understanding rape stereotyping, and the value of socio-cognitive CDA and its compatibility with SRT were discussed. Practice and policy recommendations emphasised viewing the CJS holistically, as its separate parts are deeply linked. Training for police and CPS with a cognitive framework, jury education on perpetrator related stereotypes, and judicial mythbusting enforcement, were recommended. Future research directions included further research into social representations of rape, and explorations into ethnicity and stereotype acceptance.

Citation

Hermolle, M. F. V. (2023). Lay, professional, and police rape stereotype acceptance in England and Wales: A holistic, mixed-methods overview of the Criminal Justice System. (Thesis). Keele University. Retrieved from https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/674588

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/674588
• Award Date: 2023-12