The paper critically examines feminism, masculinity
and male rape collectively. It argues that, although feminist explanations of
rape are robust and comprehensive, male victims of rape have largely been
excluded from this field of research. As a result it contributes to current
knowledge through critically evaluating the social constructions, stigma and
phenomenological realities associated with male rape (by both men and women),
arguing that there has been neglect in this area that functions to support,
maintain and reinforce patriarchal power relations and hegemonic masculinities.
Aliraza’s PhD from which the article is drawn focuses
on state and voluntary agencies’ responses to, and attitudes toward, male rape
and the conception of hegemonic masculinity fundamentally underpins both the
thesis and his publication. It helps to explain and understand why some
societies, feminists, state and voluntary agencies are overlooking,
disbelieving, or inadequately dealing with male rape victims. For instance,
arguably, men are expected to be strong, powerful, invulnerable, unemotional,
insensitive, heterosexual, tough, and self-reliant; but if you are none of
these things, you are automatically frowned upon, not just by other men, but
also by ourselves.
Aliraza has more plans to published including on whether
the masculine police subculture influences the treatment that male rape victims
get, and whether the Sexual Offences Act 2003 accurately reflects male rape
victims’ experiences of rape.
