Rakib Hasan

Rape is not just a personal crime, it is a social disorder that is closely linked to patriarchal society, gender discrimination, distorted patriarchal attitudes and poor enforcement of the law. To prevent rape, we need to deeply analyze the socialization process in society, as it plays an important role in shaping a person's mindset and outlook.

Causes of socialization and rape:Socialization is the process by which an individual acquires and adopts the norms, culture, and values of society. However, when wrong values and discriminatory practices spread in society, they become ingrained in the minds of the next generation and become a source of crime. Proper socialization is very important for the holistic development of an individual.

In a patriarchal society, boys are taught from an early age that they are stronger and more dominant than women. In contrast, girls are taught to be obedient, restrained, and dependable. This socialization process creates unequal power relations between men and women, which becomes the basis of crime.There is a situation in society where rape is trivialized, the victim is blamed and the perpetrators are given a chance to get away. Women are often portrayed as objects in media, film, and literature, further reinforcing rape culture. For example, attributing rape to the victim's clothing, movements, or personal behavior. Restricting women's free movement in the family and society, but not talking about changing men's behavior. Due to the weak implementation of the law, criminals get out of the loopholes of the judicial system, etc.

There are many social, cultural and psychological reasons behind rape. For example, if women are not given status in a family, then the children also grow up with that view. It is often seen that women are neglected in the family, their opinion is not given importance, or male members are given the right to make all the decisions unilaterally. This gives rise to the ingrained idea that women are subordinate to men and that it is not wrong to do anything against their will. Often, the tendency to rape increases as the perpetrators go unpunished. Delays in the judicial system, weaknesses in the investigation process, and unethical interference by influential people complicate the rape trial process. As a result, criminals can continue their activities without fear. In many popular movies, songs and plays, women are portrayed in a derogatory manner. Often seen in cinema, when male characters force a woman to fall in love or behave in an abusive manner, it is shown as romantic. Such representations create an underestimated view of women in society.

Laws to prevent rape: It is not enough to make laws only to prevent rape; it is also necessary to change the attitude of the society. For this, promotion of education by the state, empowerment of women, strict enforcement of laws and change in culture are necessary. First, both boys and girls need to be taught gender equality from an early age. Secondly, training on the importance of gender awareness and consent should be provided at school, college and university levels. Thirdly, it is necessary to run campaigns to raise awareness against violence and rape against women at the social level. Similarly, the punishment for rape should be made more stringent and steps should be taken to ensure speedy justice. A simple and safe trial process must be developed for the victims. There is a need to increase police training and increase gender sensitivity among law enforcement agencies.

Women's empowerment and socialization: Women need to be economically independent so that they can ensure their own security. We need to increase women's participation in the workforce to strengthen their position in society. Self-defense training should be provided so that women can ensure their own safety. It is necessary to stop showing women in films, plays and music in a derogatory manner. Rape should be stopped from being romanticized or glorified. Care should be taken not to disclose the identity and personal information of rape victims in the media.Rape is not just a crime, it is a social disorder that reflects deep inequalities and inequalities in society.

In the current context of Bangladesh, social cohesion is needed along with the law to prevent rape. To prevent this, we need to change the perspective of society and make the socialization process more equitable and gender-equal. Tightening laws, increasing education and awareness, empowering women and forcing the media to play a responsible role can build a safer society. It will be possible to eradicate horrific crimes like rape only if we ensure respectful treatment of women at every level of society.

The writer is a, Department of Sociology, Dhaka College