Hostile Masculinity among Sex Offenders: Exploring the Role of Antisocial Behaviour, Substance Abuse, and Pornography Consumption

Sexual offenses against children arise from a multifaceted interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors. This study investigated the causal roles of antisocial traits, drug abuse, and pornography consumption in fostering hostile masculinity (HM) among child sex offenders. Data were collected from 88 life-convicted offenders incarcerated across multiple prisons for cases resolved between 2019 and 2022. A quota sampling method ensured proportional geographical representation. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data collection tools (structured schedules and psychometric tests) were validated through a pilot study. Findings revealed that antisocial behaviour significantly predicted HM by reinforcing adversarial gender attitudes and dominance-oriented beliefs. Drug abuse further exacerbated HM, reducing empathy and normalizing hegemonic masculine norms, while pornography consumption amplified adversarial gender scripts and legitimized coercive behaviours. Demographic analysis showed that most offenders were young adults with low educational attainment, suggesting compounded vulnerabilities that increase susceptibility to hostile masculine orientations. The study underscores the interconnected influence of personality traits, substance abuse, media exposure, and sociocultural conditions in sustaining HM and sexual aggression. Policy implications emphasize integrated prevention and intervention strategies targeting antisocial conduct, substance misuse, and pornography consumption, with a focus on young, less-educated populations. These findings offer practical insights into reducing gender-based violence.