Male Perception on Sexual Consent and Coercion in Heterosexual Marriages: The Case of Benue State, Nigeria

The issue of sexual consent in marriage which is deeply problematic due to the persistence of socio-cultural constraints on women’s sexual agency and sexual decision-making has received less attention. Emerging evidence suggests that coerced, pressured and unwanted sexual activities are generally still common experiences of women. Research concerning male’s opinions on women’s consent to sex in marriage remains scarce. In this article, we explored men’s perceptions on sexual consent seeking and receiving within the context of marriage in order to expose the traditional gender imbalances, and interrogate the male-privileging ideals. Deploying a qualitative research approach, 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with men aged 25-55years and in-depth interviews (IDI) with 12 key Informants were conducted to elicit data. Transcripts of each FGD and IDI were analyzed and major themes were developed. The study adopted the scripting and radical feminism as theoretical underpinnings. The findings revealed that the prevailing socio-cultural context in which men live has tremendous impact on their perceptions on women’s sexual rights and consent in marriage. Most men in the study understand sex in marriage as just one of the duties of a wife. Results also suggest that token resistance beliefs and alcohol consumption among men encourage forced sex. This study clearly shows that the issue of sexual coercion in marriage is fuelled by patriarchal control over women’s sexuality and requires serious attention in the study area. We therefore recommend cultural reorientation and enactment of laws to deal with the issue of non-consensual sex in marriage.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Token Resistance to Sex amongst Nigerian Undergraduates

It is apparent that existing social conventions unofficially mandates women to refuse sexual advances even when there may be the intention to engage. The adherence to this social script is what is referred to as token resistance or scripted refusal. Some studies have explored the subject of token resistance from a number of perspectives that attempt to identify the underlying reasons why women engaging in token resistance. However, there is very little research on this subject from the Nigerian perspective. This this study sought to explore token resistance further in order to understand the cultural cogency or peculiarity of the concept in the Nigerian context. This is because based on available literature, the conceptualization of token resistance may be different. With the use of purposive sampling technique, four sexually active women and undergraduates, volunteered to participate in the study. They were interviewed to understand their unique experiences and perception about token resistance using the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) It was discovered that factors like personal pride, self-control, emotional security of relationship and the gratification of increased attention were responsible for women’s rejection of sexual advances even when there was the intention to do so. The study also got a better understanding of how women culturally represent this concept in Nigeria. We highlight limitations of the study and suggest areas for further study research.

A Qualitative Analysis of Sexual Consent among Heavy-drinking College Men

The current study sought to examine how heavy-drinking college men describe communication of sexual interest and sexual consent. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 12 heavy-drinking college men identified three themes. Themes included: (a) expectations about parties and sexual activity, (b) observing and communicating sexual interest, and (c) communication of sexual consent. Men reported visiting drinking environments to locate women who they assumed would be open to sexual advances. In these environments, sexual interest was inferred indirectly through shared alcohol use. Anticipating token resistance men reported “trying and trying again” to pursue escalating types of sexual activity. Consent was inferred when participants did not hear “no” from a sexual partner, highlighting the importance of continued education on verbal consent in the context of sexual assault prevention programs.

Sexual Assault Supportive Attitudes: Rape Myth Acceptance and Token Resistance in Greek and Non-Greek College Students From Two University Samples in the United States

Colleges are rape-prone cultures with high rates of sexual victimization. Fraternities’ and sororities’ relationships with sexual assault are consistent themes in literature focusing on sexual violence among college students. Previous research suggests that fraternity men are more likely to endorse rape-supportive attitudes compared with non-Greek men or sorority women. The present study examines rape-supportive attitudes as well as rape and sexual assault victimization in college students with a focus on gender and Greek-life (i.e., involvement in fraternities or sororities) status variables. College students ( N = 1,002) completed a survey including the Token Resistance to Sex Scale (TRSS), Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale–Short Form (IRMA-S), and items related to past experiences of nonconsensual sex. Two regression models tested predictors of token resistance and rape myth acceptance. Chi-square analyses tested between-group differences of experiencing rape and sexual assault. Gender ( p < .001), Greek status ( p < .001), and race/ethnicity ( p < .001) were predictors for TRSS scores. For IRMA scores, gender ( p < .001), Greek status ( p < .001), and race/ethnicity variables ( p < .001) were also significant. Interaction terms revealed that Greek men had higher token resistance and rape myth acceptance than any other group. Chi-square analyses indicate women more frequently report experiences of rape (χ2 = 25.57, df = 1, p < .001) and sexual assault (χ2 = 31.75, df = 1, p < .001). Men report high rates (40.8%) of experiencing sexual assault “because refusing was useless.” No differences of victimization rates were found between Greeks and non-Greeks. Gender and sexual scripting theory can help explain gender differences in attitudes and experiences. Greater endorsement of rape myth acceptance and token resistance by Greeks, who influence college party culture, could be contributing to a culture conducive to rape. Findings demonstrate a continued need for interventions focused on shifting sociocultural dynamics (e.g., traditional roles and sexual scripting) on college campuses.