Why Men Rape: An Indian Undercover Investigation is a book by Tara Kaushal that delves into the disturbing and pervasive issue of sexual violence in India. Through a combination of interviews, research, and undercover investigations, the book seeks to understand the mentality, social conditioning, and attitudes that lead men to commit rape. Kaushal provides a rare and deep insight into the cultural, psychological, and systemic factors that contribute to the prevalence of rape in Indian society.

Key Themes:

1. Conversations with Convicted Rapists:
  The author speaks directly with convicted rapists to understand their mindset, motivations, and justifications for their actions. These conversations reveal how deeply ingrained patriarchy, misogyny, and entitlement to women's bodies influence such behavior.

2. Cultural and Social Context:
  The book explores the role of societal norms, gender roles, and the normalization of violence against women in India. It points out how many men view women as objects for sexual gratification, often influenced by traditional gender hierarchies and the perception of male superiority.

3. Systemic Failures:
  Kaushal highlights the failure of the legal and judicial system in preventing and responding to sexual violence. The lack of accountability, delays in justice, and victim-blaming attitudes prevalent in the police and legal system are critiqued.

4. Victim Blaming and Stigmatization:
  The book discusses the heavy burden placed on rape survivors, who are often shamed, ostracized, and blamed for the violence committed against them. It also explores how societal reactions to rape further compound the trauma for victims. For many of the rapists, rape is not just about the sexual gratification or lust; but about asserting male dominance and power. They just wanted to let the female who is in greater position than themselves to know who the real boss is!. They're not even guilty for what they did.

5. Gender and Power Dynamics:
  At its core, the book examines how rape is not just about sex, but about power, control, and dominance. Men who rape often do so to assert their power over women, reinforcing patriarchal structures of control. They always consider themselves superior and dominant over women. 

6. Influence of Environment:

Many rapists spoke of their upbringing and social environment, which conditioned them to view women as inferior or as objects. They were raised in patriarchal households or communities where violence against women was normalized, and they did not perceive their actions as abnormal within the context of their social surroundings.

Kaushal’s investigative approach sheds light on the complex reasons behind sexual violence, making "Why Men Rape" an important and unsettling read for anyone trying to understand and combat rape culture, not just in India, but globally.