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

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.