Study Says Porn Has Positive Effect On How Men View Women

People who watch pornography hold views of women as more equal to men than people who do not watch pornography, and are no less likely to describe themselves as feminists, according the results of a study published in the Journal of Sex Research.

There has long been debate about attitudes towards women in pornography. Some argue that porn is demeaning to women and viewing it causes men to develop more hostile gender attitudes. Others contend that porn empowers women and viewing it promotes more equal gender attitudes among men and women. 

A study led by Taylor Kohut, of Western University, addressed this controversy using data from more than 28,000 people who participated in the General Social Survey, an annual study of attitudes in the US population, between 1975 and 2011. The survey asked participants if they had watched an X-rated movie in the last year. It also included several questions regarding their attitudes towards women.

These included attitudes towards women working outside the home, women holding positions of political power, traditional familial gender roles, and the legality of abortion. Respondents also indicated whether or not they thought of themselves as feminists.

23% of Americans said they had watched pornography in the last year. Both male and female pornography viewers had better attitudes towards women working outside the home, and were more supportive of abortion rights, in comparison with those who had not watched pornography.

Male viewers had more positive attitudes about women holding positions of political power in comparison with male non-viewers.

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