Author Information
Olga Khokhlova, University of Suffolk, United KingdomKatherine Allen, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom
Miranda Horvath, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom
Nishtha Lamba, Middlesex University Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Abstract
Marital rape is a significant yet underexplored issue with profound consequences for individuals and society (WHO, 2018). Despite its prevalence, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the subjective perceptions of social norms and expectations surrounding marital rape (Ferro et al., 2008; Zidenberg et al., 2022). This study aimed to gain more in-depth information regarding both general perceptions of marital rape and the factors that have not received much attention in sexual violence literature to date, such as the perpetrator's jealousy and sexual deprivation. This study focuses on understudied regions such as South Asia, the MENA region, and regions where recent qualitative research on this topic is lacking (Eastern and Western Europe). Twenty-one semi-structured interviews have been completed to date, 9 participants were from South Asia, 6 from MENA, 5 from Eastern Europe and 2 from Western Europe. More interviews are in progress. Emerging themes are: (a) disconnection between sexual activity and pleasure for women; (b) the intersection of tradition, spirituality, and women's sexual autonomy; (c) beliefs in masculinity as a justification for marital coercion; (d) the weight of familial pressures: childbearing and gendered responsibilities. The findings highlight the deeply entrenched traditions and gender norms that marginalize women's autonomy in marriage, emphasizing the need to challenge these narratives to promote gender equality and protect women's rights in intimate relationships.
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