ABSTRACT
This chapter reports a test of a “deterrence theory” of rape with a cross-cultural study which uses a sample of societies drawn from the Human Relations Area Files. Fraternal interest group theory is also tested. This theory argues that the presence of fraternal interest groups, power groups of related males, predicts the occurrence of rape in a society. Fraternal interest group theory, has been used to explain high incidences of interpersonal violence within local groups, feuding, and internal war. The theory can be expanded to encompass rape, which is a form of interpersonal violence. The notion that certain behavior on the part of individuals or groups can be prevented by prior appropriate actions is know as deterrence theory. Examination of the hypothesis test results indicates more support for deterrence theory than for fraternal interest group theory. From the analysis of the data a composite theory has emerged which combines the two theories which this study set out to test.
