Rape and Ritual: A Psychological Study

Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts #10

by Bradley A. TePaske

Combines theory, case material, dreams and mythology, penetrating far beyond the deed to the archetypal background of sexual assault. Special attention to homosexuality and male ambivalence toward women.

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1982

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly read for a better understanding of male ambivalence towards the focus of the book, in comparison to their female counterparts.

In addition, was interested on the Jungian aspects to see if there was explanation for "Rape Fantasies" particularly in relation to their role within BDSM and Fetish communities.

This book came out in 1982, so while I think it was well-intentioned, and never endorsing or justifying rape--it can be problematic in its use of language.

[JP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here some book takes a bold topic like rape and explain the real truth behind of such act.
Rape is more of anger and the dent in archetype of male with her relationship with mother.
The anima in male influence such act and more shocking references like rape happens not in the interest of inseminate rather to outrage women.
The strangest of all in most of the cases there is no ejection of semen by male in rape. 
The mythology behind rape was thoroughly discussed but still little dry..

[Mephistopheles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting study that I wish had gone even more in depth. He does an amazing job clearly centering rape as a phenomenon in the psychology of males, firmly denying the deflection that males often engage in (ie: "She was being sexy at me. Therefore she secretly wanted it.") and also centering rape as an externalized psychological phenomenon whereby the man sacrifices his own anima ritualistically. Tragically, rapists are unable to self reflect and see that they are acting out something internal onto the world, that their soul is outside their body, and therefore innocent human women get victimized as the result. He also discussed the polarization of the male psyche into the hostile brothers, and how these warring factions in the ego lead to the sacrificial impulse.

I wish he had gone more in depth in the psychological section and connected it more with real case studies. One was referenced in depth, but more would have been ideal. I'm also not convinced about the archetypal connection between rapists and the dark mother. That section should have been fleshed out more. It's true that rapists often feel themselves to be victimized by dark, feminine forces (ironically as they themselves victimize women) but I cannot see what the archetype of the dark mother would want from this. This clearly seems to be something the dark masculine wants and is motivated by.