rape culture

American  

[reyp kuhl-cher] / ˈreɪp ˌkʌl tʃər /

noun

1. a subset of values, beliefs, and behaviors in a society that trivializes or normalizes sexual violence, including rape.

   Slut-shaming is one manifestation of rape culture.

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Etymology

Origin of rape culture

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The French woman, identified as Ms H.W, celebrated the decision as a step forward in ending "rape culture" and promoting consent within marriage.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

The next administration needs to not just talk about how we support sexual assault survivors but also show up in the concrete actions we take to dismantle rape culture.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2021

The novel nods toward a lot of hot buttons — transphobia, rape culture, hot takes, the whole post-truth smorgasbord — without ever really pushing any.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2021

Orenstein takes the same eagle-eyed approach to jock culture, rape culture, L.G.B.T.Q. kids and porn.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2020

We cannot reduce the meanings or effects of all of these diverse materials to simple statements such as "this causes violence" or "this reproduces rape culture and limits individuals' ability to negotiate consent."

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2020