Challenging Sensationalism: Narratives on Rape as a Weapon of War in Syria

Main author: Lokot, Michelle
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-30989
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description Rape during conflict is often over-simplified and sensationalised in the accounts of international humanitarian agencies. This article suggests that such narratives on rape are connected to the way international tribunals and courts have narrowly framed the crime of rape. Limited legal constructions of rape reinforce a hierarchy where rape is seen as more worthy of protection than other forms of gender-based violence - a hierarchy that international humanitarian agencies perpetuate through their narratives on rape during conflict. Based on ethnographic accounts from Syrian women and men, this article draws attention to the problematic consequences of focusing on sensational narratives. It aims to reposition rape - and gender-based violence more broadly - within unequal power structures and a wider system of women’s subordination. It argues that while less incendiary, other kinds of gender-based violence during conflict may be just as insidious as rape.
format Journal Article
author Lokot, Michelle
author_facet Lokot, Michelle
authorStr Lokot, Michelle
author_letter Lokot, Michelle
title Challenging Sensationalism: Narratives on Rape as a Weapon of War in Syria
publisher Brill
publishDate 2019
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/30989/