Section Article

A SOCIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF RAPE AS A CRIME
Author(s): Neela gupta

Abstract
Rape is a pervasive social issue that has profound psychological social and legal implications. It represents not only a violation of individual bodily autonomy but also a reflection of broader societal power dynamics gender inequalities and cultural attitudes toward sexuality and consent. Sociological research into rape as a crime seeks to understand patterns of occurrence victim and offender characteristics social responses and institutional interventions. This paper investigates rape from a sociological perspective integrating theories of social structure gender deviance and criminology to analyze how social norms patriarchal structures and cultural beliefs contribute to its persistence. It further examines the efficacy of legal frameworks policing strategies and community interventions in preventing and addressing rape highlighting disparities in reporting prosecution and societal perception. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies including secondary data analysis case studies and statistical evaluation of crime databases the study emphasizes the intersectional factors influencing the occurrence and societal handling of rape. The research also considers the social stigma psychological trauma and systemic obstacles faced by survivors aiming to provide recommendations for improved prevention justice and social awareness.