Introduction:
Sexual crime is a serious issue in India, with reports of rape, molestation, and sexual harassment making headlines on a regular basis. The Indian government has taken steps to address this problem, including the introduction of stricter laws and harsher punishments for offenders. However, there is still much debate about the root causes of sexual crime in India. One factor that has been suggested as a possible influence is pornography. In this blog post, we will examine the available evidence to test the relationship between pornography and sexual violence in India.
History of Eroticism in India:
Eroticism has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. The Kamasutra, written by Mallanaga Vatsyayana sometime during the 2nd or 5th century, is a well-known text that explores various aspects of human sexuality. However, with the arrival of British colonizers in India in the 18th century, attitudes towards eroticism began to change. The British viewed Indian culture as primitive and uncivilized and sought to impose their own moral values on the country. This led to a decline in the acceptance of eroticism in Indian society.
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Sexual Crime Impact of British Colonization:
The impact of British colonization on Indian society was far-reaching and complex. One area where it had a significant impact was on attitudes towards sex and sexuality. The British viewed sex as something that should be kept private and hidden from public view. They saw Indian culture as overly sexualized and immoral and sought to suppress it. This had several consequences for Indian society. Firstly, it led to a decline in acceptance of eroticism as mentioned earlier. Secondly, it created an environment where sex was seen as something shameful and taboo. This made it difficult for people to talk openly about sex or seek help if they were experiencing sexual problems.
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Growth of Pornography Industry:
Despite these challenges, the pornography industry in India has grown significantly in recent years. The availability of the internet and smartphones has made it easier for people to access pornographic content. This has led to concerns about the impact of pornography on Indian society, particularly with regards to sexual violence.
Sexual Crime Impact of Pornography:
The impact of pornography on individuals and society is a complex issue that is still being studied. Some studies have suggested that exposure to pornography can lead to more permissive attitudes towards sex and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. However, other studies have found no significant relationship between exposure to pornography and sexual violence.
The study conducted by Suresh Bada Math, Biju Viswanath, Ami Sebastian Maroky, Naveen C. Kumar, Anish V. Cherian and Maria Christine Nirmala in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine aimed to examine the relationship between pornography and sexual crime in India. The study reviewed reported crime rates in India over a four-decade period with a focus on sexual crimes and crimes against women.
The study found that there was no significant correlation between the consumption of pornography and sexual crime in India. However, the authors of the study emphasized that their results need to be interpreted carefully and cautiously due to limitations in their data sources. Sexual crimes are likely to be underreported in India, which could have affected the accuracy of their findings.
Furthermore, the study relied on the number of internet users as a proxy for pornography consumption since there was no reliable method to establish the number of pornography consumers. This is a significant limitation since not all internet users consume pornography.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there is no definitive evidence to suggest that pornography is a direct cause of sexual violence in India, it is important to continue studying this issue. The impact of British colonization on Indian attitudes towards sex and sexuality cannot be ignored when examining this issue. Additionally, more research needs to be done on how exposure to pornography affects individuals and society.
It is also important for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to address sexual violence in India through a multi-faceted approach that includes education, awareness campaigns, stricter laws and harsher punishments for offenders. By working together, we can create a safer society for all individuals regardless of gender or age.
Barnali Basistha is a student of English Literature. She loves dogs and dreams of being a writer one day.