Belief in a just world theory and rape myth acceptance: A comparison between Chinese and UK citizens

Abstract

Rape myths are the widespread problematic beliefs that surround rape and other types of sexual violence, which can lead to various negative impacts on the victim-survivors and societies. Investigating rape myth acceptance (RMA) in different cultural contexts is crucial as RMA is a culturally constructed concept that can vary by different countries. Yet, most studies on RMA and its influencing factors have been conducted in Western societies, and there is scarce research addressing such issues in China. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between RMA and the beliefs in a just world (BJW) theory among Chinese and UK citizens. Through survey data collected from 99 participants from the UK (N = 49) and China (N = 50), the study found that Chinese participants exhibit higher personal BJW than UK participants, while also demonstrating higher levels of RMA. Furthermore, the study revealed that gender plays a significant role in predicting RMA, with male participants showing greater endorsement of rape myths. These findings shed light on the complex interplay between cultural beliefs, attitudes toward justice, and perceptions of rape and sexual violence, emphasising the need for cross-cultural understanding and interventions to combat harmful stereotypes of rape and victim-blaming attitudes.