There is a number of theoretical perspectives aimed at explaining what stands behind rape, that is, how rape is reinforced by, why it is more widespread in specific concepts, and what a rapist’s motivations for committing it might be. When it comes to the feminist perspectives, there is not a common particular one in regard to rape, but some views on it are more or less supported extensively among feminists. For one, gender is viewed as a social construct which negatively contributes to the structure of patriarchal social institutions and relations. These, upholding the privileged position of men, are intrinsically related to rape which is considered to be a control mechanism. It is deemed a manifestation of power using sex as an instrument – thus, according to feminists, the sexual aspect of rape is subsidiary to the power dynamics that take place.
Feminist perspectives introduce the concept of rape culture, which is essentially a cultural declaration of male aggression being normal and acceptable everywhere, including sexual relations. Regarded feminists such as Catherine MacKinnon and Andrea Dworkin therefore see no distinction between sex and rape under patriarchy as male dominance is foundational in both occurrences. Women’s wants and desires are viewed as problematic due to their heterosexuality being compulsory under such circumstances. However, these views are often repelled by others while being called male bashing.
What rape culture also facilitates is the objectification of women. As a result of that, women’s identity is only present in the manner defined by men. Pornography, according to the feminist perspectives, plays a major role in that due to both sex and violence being combined there in a way that normalizes that. Robin Morgan in 1974 even claimed that if pornography is the theory, than rape is the practice. Though it is also not supported by everyone, the association of pornography with rape is a frequent phenomenon in many feminist writings.