1. Rape and evolutionary theory -- 2. The evolution of sex differences -- 3. Why do men rape? -- 4. The pain and anguish of rape -- 5. Why have social scientists failed to Darwinize? -- 6. The social science explanation of rape -- 7. Law and punishment -- 8. Social influences on male sexuality -- 9. Educational programs -- 10. Barriers -- 11. Treatment and recovery -- 12. Conclusion
Summary
"In this sure-to-be-controversial book, Randy Thornhill and Craig Palmer use evolutionary biology to explain the causes of rape and to recommend new approaches to its prevention. According to Thornhill and Palmer, evolved adaptation of some sort gives rise to rape; the main evolutionary question is whether rape is an adaptation itself or a by-product of other adaptations." "The book includes a useful summary of evolutionary theory and a comparison of evolutionary biology's and social science's explanations of human behavior. The authors argue for the greater explanatory power and practical usefulness of evolutionary biology. The book is sure to stir up discussion both on the specific topic of rape and on the larger issues of how we understand and influence human behavior."--Jacket
