Sandra Lipsitz Bem

Sandra Lipsitz Bem is a professor of psychology and women’s studies at Cornell University. In the following viewpoint, which is excerpted from her book The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality, Bem argues that violence against women is the inevitable result of a society that is androcentric—centered around men. She maintains that men are expected to dominate women in every way—physically, emotionally, and sexually— and women are expected to satisfy men’s needs and desires. Therefore, she contends, sexual violence is merely an exaggeration of the traditional sex roles. Nor is it surprising, Bem contends, to find that such violations are a frequent occurrence and that they are sexually exciting for men.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the conventional wisdom...