Critical feminist theory, rape, and hooking up

Abstract

"Hooking up" is a popular way for college students to experience sexual intimacy without investing in relationships. Hooking up has recently been found to be associated with a risk of rape. Based on semistructured interviews with 31 students, the findings of this study will draw from a grounded theory approach and utilize insights from critical feminist theory to determine what barriers to sexual consent exist in hookup relationships, thus placing women at risk for victimization. Also drawing from critical feminist theory, it will discuss the ways that oppressive legal policies related to consent and rape, and the history of these policies, can lend insight into why these barriers to consent exist. Suggestions will be made for improving sexual risk-taking prevention programs on college campuses.