Effects of Pornography

zOngoing debate zHighly emotional zPolitical agendas involved

3 Schools of Thought z Conservative/Moralist Theory z Liberal Theory z Feminist/Social Responsibility Theory

Conservative/Moralist zDriven by religious & secular values such as marriage and fidelity zSupports stronger enforcement of obscenity laws zPowerful effects

Liberal zViews people as intelligent & rational zSupports free flow of info in society zRestrict only when injury to others’ health or well-being is evident zPornography effects moderated by environmental variables

Feminist/Social Responsibility zIndividual rights secondary to society’s need to protect women zPornography violates women’s civil rights zPowerful effects

U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography z1970 – No evidence of anti-social effects z1986 – Strong effects on attitudes and behavior

Effects zSexually explicit films arouse both men & women zGreatest research interest in effects on males zParticularly effects of aggressive/ violent scenarios

Does viewing violent pornography make men sexually violent? zSome studies show that convicted sex offenders viewed high amounts of pornography zTed Bundy zCorrelation or causality? zAlternative explanation?

Experimental studies zMild materials less likely to increase aggression zCombo of anger, arousing stimuli & displeasing imagery produces the most aggression zPleasurable pornography may lessen aggression

zViolent pornography can increase male aggression against women zMay loosen inhibitions zCan distort perceptions of sex & sex roles zEncourage acceptance of violence against women

zLead to misperception of "normalness" of certain sexual behaviors zLead to less satisfaction with appearance and performance of real- life sexual partners zEncourage negative attitudes toward marriage and monogamy

Desensitization zProlonged exposure to nonaggressive pornography can desensitize viewers zViewers (both men & women) develop more calloused attitudes toward women