WHY IS THERE RAPE?

Rape has been with us since the dawn of civilization. Recent evolutionary studies have denied the politically-correct notion that rape isn't about sex, that it is only about power and hostility to women. A recent publication in the current issue of The Sciences includes an excerpt from a forthcoming book by MIT Press, "A Natural History of Rape: Biological Bases of Sexual Coercion." It has aroused a storm of controversy, which the authors expected. The evolutionary biologists, Randy Thornhill, Regents Professor at the University of New Mexico and Dr. Craig T. Palmer, an anthropology instructor at the University of Colorado suggest that modern concepts of rape are overly imbued with ideology (feminist politics) and not enough with science.

The immediate detractors dismissed the findings as sloppy science and railed against what the authors suggested would be good counseling to prevent rape. For the first time in a long time, the authors suggested that some young women invite rape by how they dress, makeup and perfume themselves, which makes them sexually inviting. They may also invite rape by giving the impression of being willing, and entering into a conducive situation, such as a fraternity drinking party. The sexually enlightened and liberal feminists who have influenced present-day political correctness, are fuming about the notion that women should be mindful of masculine proclivities, and be careful about how they dress and where they go. They cry "blame the victim!" at any suggestion that the woman has any responsibility for what happens to her.

The evolutionary biologists remind us that Darwinian theory is based on the observation that evolution selects for success--- animals with traits that promote survival or reproduction pass on their genes; others die out. As we contemplate our Stone Age ancestors, it is hard for us to imagine cavemen as tender or gentle, sympathetic or compassionate, when it comes to copulating. An alpha male successfully battles competitive males and then dominates as many fecund females as possible. The hardiest of the species is also a potent hunter and warrior. His offspring are most likely to survive and carry forth the successful traits. Many women, especially young ones seem to be attracted to alpha males, known for their intelligence, looks and physical abilities.

The ideologic detractors of this theory argue that culture is also an important determinant of the proclivity to rape, and we would agree that well brought up males are less likely to perpetrate sex by force. However, those who understand that nature and nurture are not mutually exclusive, know that within each person is a combination of primitive drives and societal restraints. Since ancient times we have developed principles of morality and civil behavior, even to the point of idealizing the love-sex relationship in romantic poetry and music.

The authors go on to say that dominant males have an instinct that leads them to desire many mates and not be limited to just one. The aggressive and dominant male of the past impregnated many ladies, so that his genes were distributed liberally within the gene pool. This fact is not unlike what we see in many species, such as the deer, in which the dominant buck has a 'harem' of does. Closer to the human, the primate orangutan has been observed to forcibly copulate with a female. This behavior has been observed in many species from insects to fish and birds. Over time, those individuals who are not sexually aggressive will not be perpetuated and their humble genes will tend to disappear.

The meek shall inherit the earth? Not according to Darwinian theory.

"Anna and the King of Siam" ("The King and I") is about the relationship between an educated, civilized lady and an oriental king who was brought up to have a harem. Anna was shocked to learn that he had hundreds of children and wives by the dozen. She was further shocked to learn that in their culture, this arrangement was 'normal'. At first the picture offended her sensibilities, but getting to know each other, the judgments came down to realistic proportions, in which the lady was charmed by the many princes and princesses, who were delightful children. I don't know if evolutionary theory was the reasoning behind this arrangement in Siam, or behind the Arab world's great harems.

But the practice of polygamy may well have to do with a tacit acceptance of the fact that superior males should sire the most children. The sheer multiplicity of children of successful males would be considered to be good for the future of humankind.

Evolutionary theory cannot be easily disregarded in this matter, and as I have said before, it would be wise to counsel our young people accordingly.

Dr Bloom is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and on the editorial board of the Wayne County Medical Society. He welcomes comments at his email address--- vbloom@comcast.net.