Pornography use, gender, and sexual objectification: a multinational study

Willis, M. , Bridges, A. J. and Sun, C. (2022) Pornography use, gender, and sexual objectification: a multinational study. Sexuality and Culture, 26(4), pp. 1298-1313. (doi: 10.1007/s12119-022-09943-z)

Abstract

Pornography promotes sexual objectification by depicting people as bodies that are used primarily for sexual gratification. Across various methodologies, previous research has found positive associations between pornography use and sexually objectifying attitudes. However, there remains a need for multinational data collections to assess potential cross-cultural differences. In the present study, we collected data from heterosexual participants in four countries: Germany (n = 640), Korea (n = 799), Taiwan (n = 488), and the United States (n = 888). Using multigroup structural equation modeling, we found that gender and pornography use were significantly associated with sexually objectifying behaviors in each country evaluated. Specifically, people who more frequently watch pornography were more likely to endorse engaging in types of sexual objectification. Because these four countries were relatively homogenous regarding gender inequality, future studies should collect data from more diverse countries to investigate potential moderating effects of related cultural variables on the association between pornography use and sexual objectification.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Willis, Dr Malachi
• Authors: Willis, M., Bridges, A. J., and Sun, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Sexuality and Culture
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1095-5143
• ISSN (Online): 1936-4822
• Published Online: 29 January 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Sexuality and Culture 26(4): 1298-1313
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License