Is She a Good Muslima? How the Victim’s Wearing Hijab Affects Muslims' Perceptions of Rape
Abstract
This research examines how Muslim women and men perceive rape encounters depending on whether the female victim wore Hijab or did not wear Hijab. Past research from Western contexts has extensively examined the role of rape victim's dress, however, it is unknown how observing a religious dress code (e.g., the head covering 'Hijab') affects the perception of rape. The Hijab symbolizes sexual modesty for Muslim women. Perceptions of its importance are likely influenced by two socio-cultural norms dominant in Islamic cultures, namely honor norms and religious fundamentalism. Results from an experimental study with 623 British Muslim adults (287 women, 336 men) confirmed our preregistered hypotheses, showing that both women and men blamed the victim who did not wear the Hijab more than the victim who wore the Hijab. Men, compared to women, attributed higher blame, were less certain of the rape incident, and were more inclined to exonerate the perpetrator. As expected, greater endorsement of honor norms was related to higher victim derogation and less punishment for the perpetrator. The discussion highlights the significance of scientific understanding of rape culture in Muslim societies.
Home Country
Iran
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Specialization
Psychology
Faculty Sponsor
Joseph Vandello
Presentation Type
Event
Is She a Good Muslima? How the Victim’s Wearing Hijab Affects Muslims' Perceptions of Rape
This research examines how Muslim women and men perceive rape encounters depending on whether the female victim wore Hijab or did not wear Hijab. Past research from Western contexts has extensively examined the role of rape victim's dress, however, it is unknown how observing a religious dress code (e.g., the head covering 'Hijab') affects the perception of rape. The Hijab symbolizes sexual modesty for Muslim women. Perceptions of its importance are likely influenced by two socio-cultural norms dominant in Islamic cultures, namely honor norms and religious fundamentalism. Results from an experimental study with 623 British Muslim adults (287 women, 336 men) confirmed our preregistered hypotheses, showing that both women and men blamed the victim who did not wear the Hijab more than the victim who wore the Hijab. Men, compared to women, attributed higher blame, were less certain of the rape incident, and were more inclined to exonerate the perpetrator. As expected, greater endorsement of honor norms was related to higher victim derogation and less punishment for the perpetrator. The discussion highlights the significance of scientific understanding of rape culture in Muslim societies.
