Abstract

Rape is not only a criminal offense but a profound social problem that reflects deeply embedded structural inequalities patriarchal hierarchies and moral contradictions within society. While legal frameworks define rape in terms of consent coercion and bodily autonomy sociological theories interpret the crime through a broader lens that includes gender relations social power dynamics cultural norms collective moral conscience economic pressures and institutional behavior. This paper examines rape not merely as an isolated act of violence but as a manifestation of systemic gender discrimination unequal socialization patterns sexual objectification and the misuse of male dominance embedded in many traditional societies. The sociological study of rape investigates how societal attitudes victim-blaming tendencies media representations family honor constructions caste dynamics and community power equations interact to sustain environments conducive to sexual violence. The abstract emphasize