Erotic films are movies that depict scenes of romantic or sexual activity in an explicit manner. They have been around for decades and have become increasingly popular in recent years due to advancements in technology and wider accessibility.
Research suggests that they may also influence viewers' attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality and relationships in ways that can be detrimental to gender equality and healthy relationships. This essay will explore how erotic films reinforce gendered scripts, dominance/submission roles, and ideals of sexual pleasure, and how these influences shape real-life sexual experiences.
Erotic films tend to portray women as passive and submissive, while men are often shown as dominant and aggressive. In most cases, women are depicted as objects to be possessed and conquered, while men are portrayed as powerful and entitled to their desires. This can lead to the normalization of power imbalances and unequal distribution of pleasure in real life relationships.
Studies suggest that men who watch pornography tend to expect more passivity from their partners during sex and less communication about desires and preferences. This can create tension and frustration in relationships where both partners want different things.
Erotic films often reinforce heteronormative ideals of sexual pleasure. Straight men and women are usually the primary focus of these films, with little representation of queer identities or non-binary genders. This can make it difficult for people outside of this binary to find relatable and positive representations of themselves in media. It can also contribute to pressure on individuals to conform to traditional gender roles and restrict their expression of desire.
The emphasis on penetration and orgasm in many erotic films can cause some people to feel inadequate if they cannot achieve those goals in their own sexual experiences.
Erotic films may promote unrealistic body standards and beauty ideals. The actors and actresses in these movies are often highly trained and physically attractive, which can create unattainable beauty standards for viewers. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, especially for individuals who do not fit into these categories.
The lack of diversity in body types and ethnic backgrounds in these films can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exclude certain groups from enjoying them.
While erotic films can be enjoyable and even educational, they can also reinforce harmful messages regarding gender roles, sexual pleasure, and beauty ideals. These influences can shape real-life sexual experiences by creating power imbalances, promoting unhealthy behaviors, and excluding certain groups. Individuals should approach these movies critically and be aware of how they might influence their attitudes and beliefs about sex and relationships.
How do erotic films reinforce gendered scripts, dominance/submission roles, and ideals of sexual pleasure, and how do these influences shape real-life sexual experiences?
Erotic films have been shown to reinforce gendered scripts by perpetuating traditional male-dominant power structures and ideologies that favor men as sexual providers and women as sexual objects. These messages are often embedded within the narrative structure of the film, where men possess more sexual agency than women and exercise control over their partners through acts such as verbal commands, physical restraint, or penetration.