NCJ Number
141973
Journal
Maryland Law Review Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 122-161
Date Published
1993
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Statistical data are presented that challenge the argument that a causal relationship exists between pornography and rape.
Abstract
One feminist argument is that the sharp increase in rates of rape during the 1970's and 1980's is directly related to the pervasiveness and explicitness of the pornography during that period. According to their syllogism, (1) the belief that it is permissible for men to control women sexually is a significant cause of rape; (2) pornography teaches men that it is permissible to control women sexually; and (3) therefore, pornography is a significant cause of rape. This syllogism has produced efforts to ban or restrict pornography as a means of reducing rape rates. However, rape rates may actually have declined during the last two decades. In addition, no available scientific findings establish a causal relationship between pornography and rape, and the statistical uncertainties on this point provide more support for the lack of a causal relationship than for the existence of such a relationship. The rape rates have increased much more slowly than the measured increase in pornography consumption, and previously reported correlations between pornographic magazines and rape rates are not credible. Until better data are available, no action should be taken on the unproven claim that pornography causes rape. Tables and footnotes