False Security; Dynamics of and Influences on Rape and Sexual Assault Laws: A Comparison of Argentina and Bulgaria

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of key sociopolitical and cultural variables, and how they impact rape laws using a comparison of two countries, having different ethnic backgrounds, strong religious and cultural values, and abortion rights, but different rape laws. A review of current literature, journals, interviews, surveys, conferences, and current laws was undertaken to identify which variables can be used to implement change on an international scale to better protect women from rape. The argument brought within this paper is that the most influential, and often overlooked, aspects of a state which affect its laws, specific to rape, and affect the rate of rape within a state, are the political and institutional influences, domestic and international, on a state. It is my recommendation, that more effort is put into researching the ways in which institutions exert influence in state governments.