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Exploring the Role of SOTP in Identity Reconstruction of Convicted Rapists

This research delves into the language and identity of convicted rapists, focusing on feminist standpoint, coping strategies, stigma renegotiation, and victim blaming. The study highlights the impact of heterosexual entitlement on identity work and the nuances of rape myths and stereotypes. Through in-depth analysis of interviews with convicted rapists, the findings shed light on the normalized language of denial and the complexities surrounding reconstruction of self-identity post-conviction. Ultimately, the study proposes challenging the status quo to promote change in understanding and addressing the underlying issues of sexual violence in society.

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Exploring the Role of SOTP in Identity Reconstruction of Convicted Rapists

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  1. The Role of SOTP in the Identity Work of Convicted Rapists Dr Julie Chalder-Mills School of Applied Social Sciences

  2. Research Over-view • The Research • The Researched • SOTP and Identity • Identity Work • The Findings

  3. The Research • To Explore the Language of Convicted Rapists • Their Identity as ‘men’, ‘rapists’, ‘denial’ and ‘heterosexual entitlement’ • Life History Research • Context of Interviews – location – prison time • Key Tenets of Feminist Standpoint • – ‘Listening’ to the ‘Marginalised’ - Making the ‘invisible’, ‘visible’ – Men & Women • Key Experts in the Field - valid ‘knowledge’

  4. The Researched • Six Men - biographies • ‘Stranger’ Rapists • ‘Partner’ Rapists • ‘Stigmatised’ Identities

  5. SOTP and Identity • SOTP Language • ‘Treatment’ - ‘cure’ or ‘panacea’ – fix the problem • Pathological vs Social (Identity) • Identity fixed for life - Sexual Danger • Coping Strategies – Relapse Prevention • ‘Distorted Thinking Patterns’ • ‘Avoidance’ Strategies • Reconstruction – Renegotiation – Resurrection - Idealised identity

  6. Identity Work • Stigma and the Renegotiation of identity - Normal…CRITICALLY…Not Monster • Heterosexual Practice, Identity, Ideology and Experience: • Entitlement – ‘Rights Based Relationships’, i.e. ‘normal’ • ‘Language of Denial’ - Victim Blaming…Essential in Identity Work • Deflection - Stigma …heterosexual practice, ideology, institution and identity – the holy grail of ‘normal behaviour…Maintains Blame Culture …

  7. Identity Work • ‘Stigmatised/Spoiled Identities’ - Far reaching consequences – loss – stigma – challenged identities – beyond the bounds of the men’s lives • Rape/Rapist – Victim/not - Stereotypes / Sexuality • Rape Myths - normal/abnormal – Madonna/whore • Investment - credibility/respect – • Reconstruction - holy grail – ‘normalisation’

  8. The Findings • Victim Blaming • ‘If I find out you’re lying to me and who he is, I’m going to kill him…’ Brian • ‘If she had just done what she was told…and not embarrassed me…’ Eddie • ‘It was the nature of her ‘job’ and therefore it is a ‘risk’ she must know she is taking…therefore she knows that when she approaches me…what is coming her way is all her own fault…’ Andrew • ‘She had no self respect…she was wearing skimpy shorts and top and [was] alone with me …she had to be punished’ Abdullah • ‘She consented…she did…I gave her until I’d finished my cigarette to make up her mind…’ Francis

  9. The Findings… • Heterosexist Language • …Only Words…’bitch’…’slag’…’whore’…’liar’…’immoral’ • …Sticks and Stones May Break my Bones…’that’s not me’ • …Mud Sticks…’truth’…’respectability’: - researcher/researched relationship – ‘being heard’ • …Just Boys doing Business ‘just doing what two twenty-year olds do…’ • …Linguistic implication of heterosexist language?

  10. Concluding Thoughts • Language - Communicates Behaviour • Belonging • Sense of Self • Sense of ‘reality’ and ‘truth’ • SOTP and ‘distorted thinking’ • Ignores/avoids individual agency • Victim Blaming • Status Quo • Requires Challenge to encourage Change

  11. And Finally…. • Any Questions? • j.e.chalder-mills@dur.ac.uk

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