Erotic Films Reinforcing Gendered Scripts, Ideals of Dominance and Submission, and Expectations of Sexual Pleasure
Erotic films are widely consumed around the world, but they often reinforce harmful ideas about gender roles, power dynamics, and what constitutes "ideal" sexual encounters. These movies can shape viewers' expectations for their own intimate experiences, leading to problems such as unrealistic goals and poor communication skills.
To understand why this is an issue, it's important to look at how erotic films depict men and women differently. In most cases, men are portrayed as dominant figures who initiate sex and take charge of the situation. Women, on the other hand, are typically passive participants who wait to be desired and pleasured. This is especially true when it comes to heterosexual couples - male characters tend to be aggressive while female characters tend to be submissive or even victimized.
This portrayal of gender roles has been shown to negatively affect real-life relationships.
Studies have found that men who consume more pornography are more likely to hold rigid beliefs about masculinity and less likely to value emotional connection in their romantic partnerships. Meanwhile, women may feel pressure to emulate the "submissive" role they see in erotic media, which can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt.
Another way that erotic films influence real-life intimacy is by promoting certain behaviors and actions as "sexy."
Many films feature acts like rough sex, BDSM, or group play as being desirable and exciting. While some people may enjoy these things in reality, others don't. When viewers see them depicted so frequently on screen, however, they may start to believe they should try them out for themselves, regardless of whether or not it aligns with their personal preferences.
There's also a danger that erotic films could shape viewers' expectations for what constitutes pleasurable sex. Many movies show performative, highly choreographed encounters where both parties look flawless and orgasm simultaneously. In reality, most sexual experiences are messy, awkward, and sometimes unsatisfying. By presenting unrealistic scenarios, erotic films can make viewers feel inadequate if their own encounters fall short.
While there's nothing wrong with enjoying erotic films, consumers need to be aware of how they might impact their understanding of gender roles, sexuality, and relationships. It's important to critically analyze the messages sent by these movies and consider whether they line up with our values and goals.
True intimacy comes from communication, trust, and mutual respect - qualities that go beyond any movie plotline.
How do erotic films reinforce gendered scripts, ideals of dominance and submission, and expectations of sexual pleasure, and how do these scripts influence real-life intimacy?
While pornography is often associated with objectification of women, it has been shown that both men and women can be affected by its messages. The images and narratives present in erotic films create specific ideas about what sex should look like and who is entitled to enjoy it. As a result, many viewers may feel pressured to live up to these unrealistic ideals, which can have negative consequences for their relationships.