Exposure to Pornography and Aggression toward Women: The Case of the Angry Male

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Abstract
This paper reviews research since 1970 into the effects of pornography on men's treatment of, and underlying attitudes toward, women. There is little evidence that exposure to hard-core pornography produces aggressive behavior in men. However, levels of aggression in already angered men are increased by exposure to hard-core materials. I also discuss research into the long-term effects of exposure to pornography and the difference between laboratory-induced anger and deeper anger which is a product of psycho-sexual development. I conclude that anger is a greater social problem than pornography, particularly in men who are unable to resolve that anger and to distinguish it from sexual arousal and control over women.