Hui Ren Tan, National University of Singapore

"Wallowing in Sex? Censorship, Movies, and the Impact of Sexual Content On-Screen"

Abstract

This paper studies how the Motion Picture Production Code, which censored movies from 1934-1968, affected society through its influence on the sexual content of films. We combine new data with automation to trace the evolution of sexual content on-screen. There was some sexual content in films before the Code, none while the Code was enforced, followed by a rapid rise in sexual content when the Code was abolished. We then investigate the impact of these changes in the sexual content of films. At the individual level, the rise in sexual content on-screen helped the careers of sex symbols. At the societal level, it increased the amount of sexual activity.

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