Example police and policing dissertation topic 2:

Police pre-conceptions: Attributions of blame to male rape victims by the police

Although training programmes have attempted to ensure that police officers do not attribute blame to rape victims, concerns remain that some police are resistant to such programmes. This dissertation considers whether attribution of blame to rape victims continues to be a widespread problem, and whether factors such as the age or gender of the victim play a significant part. One example of discrimination may be levelled against male adolescent sex workers, as a case study in Glasgow demonstrates. The study considers both existing literature as well as primary research through three case studies in Glasgow, and a survey of 100 police officers (CID and uniformed) in the Strathclyde Police Force.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Davies, M., Austen, K. and Rogers, P. (2011) ‘Sexual preference, gender, and blame attributions in adolescent sexual assault’, Journal of Social Psychology, Vol. 151(5), pp. 592-607.
• Wakelin, A. and Long, K.M. (2003) ‘Effects of victim gender and sexuality on attributions of blame to rape victims’ Sex Roles, Vol. 49(9-10), pp. 477-487.
• Whatley, M.A. and Riggio, R.E. (1993) ‘Gender differences in attributions of blame for male rape victims’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 8(4), pp. 502-511.