University of Twente Student Theses
Beyond Stereotypes : The Role of Gender and Denial of Victim in Coercive Control
Orywahl, M.F.M. (2024) Beyond Stereotypes : The Role of Gender and Denial of Victim in Coercive Control.
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| Abstract: | Coercive control is widely considered a gendered crime. The victim is stereotypically seen as female and the perpetrator is male. Coercive control is characterised by a pattern of threats, intimidation, and assault to scare, punish, or harm the victim. Physical evidence might not be present. Therefore, police and prosecution rely on interviews with the individuals involved. However, underlying biases and the accounts given by the victim and suspect may alter how the situation and individuals are perceived. This research examined the effects the gender and the use of denial of victim statements had on the attribution of blame and the perception of guilt and seriousness of the crime. Gender role endorsement, ideal victim characteristics, and perceived similarity with the individuals as influencing factors were explored. In an online study, participants were randomly presented with a case description with either a female or male victim as well as an investigative interview with the suspect or a control interview. Multiple questionnaires had to be answered by the participant before finishing the study. Overall, male suspects as well as male victims were blamed more for the same behaviour as their female counterparts. An increase in suspect blame prevailed when gender roles were barely or moderately endorsed. Denial of victim statements that co-occurred with ideal victim characteristics decreased suspect blame. If the victim was female and perceived as an ideal victim then denial of the victim statements reduced victim blame. The results of this study highlight the importance of stereotype awareness and victimhood. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102612 |
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