Dangerous Relationships: Pornography, Misogyny and Rape

by Diana E.H. Russell

In this uncompromising volume, Diana E Russell examines the relationships between pornography, misogyny and rape, and contends that these relationships are indeed dangerous to women. After defining pornography and considering the various types of pornographic material available, the author demonstrates that hatred of women is a predominant aspect of pornography, and that racist undercurrents are often exploited in visual pornography of all types. She then provides a rich body of statistical evidence that supports the argument that pornography is a cause of rape.

Genres: Feminism, Sexuality, Nonfiction

206 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 1998

Reviews

[fausto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very in important, as it offers a very clear and contundent picture of all the studies that developed ultil early 90's supporting the argument that pornography leads men to normalize physical and sexual violence against women.
The book is clearly written, and has an academic approach to the subject, offering only empyrical studies from phychological and sociological perspectives.

My main concert with the book is that deal with another era. Russell has little, if any, to say about virtual and online pornography, and most of the evidence she cited, developed in from the early 70's until the late 80's, so she's actually writing more on printed pornographic magazines, and low-budget VHS videos.