摘要：The intensity and frequency of rapes and attempted sexual assaults on women, along with several unreported cases, are rising alarmingly in countries including India. National Crime Records Bureau in 2018 reported one rape every 15 min in India. Additionally, according to the NCRB data, up to 91 rapes were reported in the country on a single day. This scenario, therefore, calls for the immediate attention of the researchers to explore the factors that contribute to such crimes. The current qualitative study, hence, was intended to explore the socio-cultural and psychological factors associated with rape from the perspectives of men. The current study was conducted among 37 males between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis threw light on the development of several main themes and sub-themes for socio-cultural and psychological factors associated with rape. The important main themes that emerged include attitude towards rape, sexual restriction, masculine dominance, westernization, lack of social support, exploitation, perception and attitude toward law, psychological impact, and childhood trauma. The study had identified several socio-cultural factors that possibly contribute to sexual aggression against women; the psychological consequences of rape on the victims;and the role of societal norms that indirectly result in increased incidents of sexual assaults. The results would facilitate recognition, development, and implementation of social interventions to control the prevalence of rape in the country.
关键词：Rape
;Cultural aspect of rape
;Social aspects of rape
;Young adults
;India
