Reply #56: Suggested Reading [View All]

http://www.protectkids.com/effects/justharmlessfun.pdf

This is a summary of the studies, rather than just one individual study funded by one small group.

Some excerpts:

A review study in 1994, based on 81 original peer-reviewed research studies (35 using
aggressive stimuli and 46 using non-aggressive stimuli), concluded that “the empirical
research on the effects of aggressive pornography shows, with fairly impressive
consistency, that exposure to these materials has a negative effect on attitudes toward
women and the perceived likelihood to rape.” The study also noted that 70 percent of
the 46 non-aggressive studies reported clear evidence of negative effects of exposure. page 7

A study in 1989 for the Canadian Department of Justice found that “high-frequency
pornography consumers who were exposed to the nonviolent, dehumanizing pornography
(relative to those in the no-exposure condition) were particularly likely to report that they
might rape, were more sexually callous, and reported engaging in more acts of sexual
aggression. page 8

The study found that more than twice as many men indicated at least some likelihood of
raping after exposure to this material – 20.4 percent versus 9.6 percent.

A 1989 review of a series of studies of “common” pornography found that its
consumption led to insensitivity towards victims of sexual violence, trivialization of rape
as a criminal offense, <-- this is a problem given the military's history of whitewashing rape allegations.

It is customary for pornography advocates to counter such findings by overstating them. For
example: “It is ridiculous to suggest that one look at Playboy turns a man into a rapist.” Of
course that would be ridiculous: it’s also not what the research is suggesting. Or: “Pornography
can’t compel anyone to act in a particular way.” True, and neither did liquor or tobacco
advertisements (now banned or restricted) compel anyone to buy their products. Or:
“Pornography doesn’t affect everyone the same way.” True, and neither did tobacco or liquor
ads – but their influence was undeniable.
What the research does show is that pornography is a strong, negative influence affecting
attitudes and behavior. It promotes the same attitudes towards women that breed sexual
harassment and destroy relationships. page 9

The whole thing is a good read, it's hard to limit myself to quoting just a few portions of it. http://www.protectkids.com/effects/justharmlessfun.pdf