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Discrimination

Pornography and Sexist Attitudes Among Heterosexuals

Full Article Name: Pornography and Sexist Attitudes Among Heterosexuals

Open Access: Yes

Abstract

Using a probability-based sample of young Danish adults and a randomized experimental design, this study investigated effects of past pornography consumption, experimental exposure to nonviolent pornography, perceived realism of pornography, and personality (i.e., agreeableness) on sexist attitudes (i.e., attitudes toward women, hostile and benevolent sexism). Further, sexual arousal mediation was assessed. Results showed that, among men, an increased past pornography consumption was significantly associated with less egalitarian attitudes toward women and more hostile sexism. Further, lower agreeableness was found to significantly predict higher sexist attitudes. Significant effects of experimental exposure to pornography were found for hostile sexism among low in agreeableness participants and for benevolent sexism among women. These experimental exposure effects were found to be mediated by sexual arousal.

Relevance

Among men, “increased past exposure to pornography was found to be  significantly associated with less egalitarian attitudes toward women and more hostile sexism.”

 

Citation

Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. N., & Lange, T. (2013). Pornography and sexist attitudes among heterosexuals. Journal of Communication, 63(4), 638–660. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12037