Final answer:
Boys who watch sexually explicit online movies are more likely to view women as sex objects, according to a Dutch study. This finding corresponds with research illustrating the impact of the media's portrayal of gender roles and stereotype reinforcement on boys.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to a recent Dutch study, boys who watched sexually explicit online movies were more likely than other boys to view women as sex objects. This aligns with findings from various research that examine the portrayal of women in media. Studies, like those by Fox and Bailenson (2009), suggest that exposure to sexualized female characters in media can enhance negative attitudes towards women.
The mass media, including television and movies, often depict women in less significant roles, regularly as wives or mothers, or alternatively, in hypersexualized or saint-like roles. This portrayal contributes to gender socialization, influencing how children perceive gender roles and expectations. For boys, it can shape their views of women and reinforce stereotypes, as feminine ideals are characterized within a narrow scope of attractiveness, often as thin, light-skinned, and young.
The tendency to view women as sex objects over other roles such as mother figures or equals is a concern for how gender perceptions are being shaped by media consumption. This issue is significant as it shapes boys' perceptions and interactions with women from a young age, potentially leading to inequality in gender relations.