Abstracts Womens Studies

Media portrayal of rape culture on college campus: A collective case study analysis

by Rachel Dimond

Rape culture is not a topic of discussion that is well received at higher education institutions. Research is fairly limited on rape culture because of the sensitive nature of discussing such a traumatic event. Although research does discuss the beliefs and perceptions of rape myths on college campuses, there is not enough research on how rape culture affects rape survivors and their college experience with outside factors that promote rape culture. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of female college students of their perceptions of how the media portrays rape culture on college campuses. This qualitative study utilized a collective case study approach and was guided by three research questions. The study was framed by a conceptual framework based on research literature that provides insight on how women perceive their identity as a female when a crisis occurs while in the college setting. The participants were two female graduate students and two female undergraduate students from a large, public research university in the Southwestern region of the U.S. Data was collected using an anonymous survey through the study institution’s daily electronic system as well as using the snowballing method to recruit participants. The data collected was analyzed using the open coding method and collective themes used throughout the survey. Trustworthiness of the study was addressed throughout the research process. The findings of this study suggest that gender expectations, factors that encourage rape culture on college campuses, and perceptions of the media’s portrayal of rape culture affect female college students and their experiences of being a student in a higher education institution. The findings also revealed that the perceptions of the media in terms of promoting rape culture foster an environment where rape survivors are blamed for their rape for not following expectations put forth by society and how women should act. All participants perceived that rape culture is not discussed as frequently as it should be on college campuses and the influence of the media gives false expectations for how women should act and look like in contemporary society. The results of this study revealed that there are implications for higher education institutions when rape culture is not discussed for all students and addressed how female college students are more impacted by the influences of the media with rape culture on college campuses. Higher education institutions must be proactive in discussing sex with students and create intentional programs that address the behaviors of victim blaming and promoting an inclusive environment where female students can feel safe with revealing their rape to higher education administrators. Advisors/Committee Members: Louis, Dave (committee member), Jones, Stephanie J. (Committee Chair).