The dynamics of rape in modern indian society

• Author: V. K. Madan - R. K. Sinha
• Position: Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil, India - Ex-International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai, India
• Pages: 81-87

AGORA International Journal of Juridical Sciences, www.juridicalj ournal.univagora.ro

ISSN 1843-570X, E-ISSN 2067-7677

No. 4 (2013), pp. 81-87

81

THE DYNAMICS OF RAPE IN MODERN INDIAN SOCIETY

V. K. Madan, R. K. Sinha

V. K. Madan

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering Kalasalingam University,

Krishnankoil, India

* Correspondence: V.K. Madan, Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil (TN), 626126,

India

E-mail: klvkmadan@gmail.com

R.K. Sinha

Ex-International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai, India

* Correspondence: R.K. Sinha, IIPS, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai 400088, India

E-mail: rksinha35@gmail.com

Abstract

Rape is malum in se. In modern India the institution of rape has flourished

immensely in recent times, and presently it is a national problem. It is a challenge to the

contemporary thinking. Gender equality is enshrined in the Indian constitution. In ancient

times rape existed in Europe while women in India had divine personification as Shakti and

in modern times millions of Indians visit Shakti temples with liberal offerings.

This paper addresses dynamics of rape with particular reference to India. Rape is a

multidimensional and dynamic phenomenon. Its perception may vary from radical to liberal,

and the legal definition keeps evolving. Mathematically it may be modeled as a space-time

function. In 2013 the definition of rape was revised both in India and US. It, however,

differs. The paper examines recently introduced Indian law to reduce rape incidents.

There are various areas which need attention to have insight into the phenomenon of

rape and measures to control the incidents. This includes understanding the effect of socio-

economic-demographic predictor variables in reduction of the incidents. The authors have

applied statistical analysis using correlation to rape data from all the 35 regions of India

with eleven socio-economic-demographic predictor variables to find the effect of the

variables on incidents of rape. It was found that only literacy status, or literacy status as a

proxy, for male and female in urban population indicated significant desirable effect on the

number of rape incidents. This sets a direction for further research. The rape challenge should

be addressed with afresh look from multidisciplinary perspective besides law and

enforcement. The fusion of data, analyses, and ideas including from sociological, cultural,

psychological, and religious aspects, and encouraging merging of tools from disciplines,

should provide an insightful and sound approach to find solution to the intractable social

problem. Also social change with the universal wisdom thoughts of great minds like Mahatma

Gandhi and Elie Wiesel is desirable to eliminate ills, including rape, from the modern society.

Keywords: rape, literacy, Indian penal code, space-time function, socio-economic-

demographic predictors, multidisciplinary perspective, statistical analysis, correlation,

religion.

Introduction

Rape is grave wrong. It is malum in se and can have severe consequences for victims.

It has been occurring since the ancient times across cultures. It has too often been ignored

and mischaracterized. Rape is a complex phenomenon with many dimensions. It is one of the

most controversial issues, and is a challenge to the contemporary thinking. It is perhaps the