Feminist theory views marital rape as social control of women by men through the patriarchal family (#1). This is also seen through patriarchal terrorism which “refers to the methodical use of violence by men in an endless effort to control women”, and the idea that a marriage license is in some sense a “license to rape” because men can dominate their wives without fear of repercussions (#1). Social constructionism proclaims that marital rape is the result of men attempting to maintain their power in society, in themselves, and in what they claim to be their property (#1). This idea holds that marital rape is “shaped by the interest of people who hold power in society” (#1). Sex role socialization theorists believe that marital rape and downplaying the effects of martial rape are caused by gender roles being taught to children at a young age (#1). Growing up, “men are taught to be dominant, powerful, and sexually aggressive,” but women “are taught to be passive [and] submissive” (#1). Women are also taught to be gatekeepers of sex, with “the idea that once a woman has consented” to sex she cannot go back, and to be a good wife, which includes fulfilling “wifely duty to sexually please her husband” ( #1). It is difficult to say which theory correctly explains why marital rape has been accepted for so long, any of the three may be correct or a combination of the three may be