ABSTRACT

The potential antisocial impact of sexually explicit material has concerned modem mass media scholars. The governments of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and South Africa have all commissioned official investigations, taking the available literature into consideration. The prevailing concern is that exposure to pornography may constitute a factor in the commission of sexual crimes (rape, incest, pedophilia, etc.). While the pornography industry invokes freedom of the press, such entertainment material may constitute a source of danger to the public. If sexually explicit material generates negative social consequences identified through social scientific investigations, then legislative or judicial bodies may consider whether some type of restriction or limitation is warranted.