Factor analyses of the responses of random samples of men and women from three cities indicate the presence of two relatively independent dimensions of rape prevention attitudes: a) beliefs about measures calling for restrictions in women's behavior, and b) beliefs about measures involving changes in the environment, or assertive actions by women. Sex and race differences in ratings of the effectiveness of the two types of prevention measures illustrate the usefulness of this two-dimensional approach for understanding rape prevention beliefs. The implications of these results for attribution theory and for anti-rape policies are discussed.
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