Movie Ratings and the Content of Adult Videos: The Sex-Violence Ratio.

This article analyzes the content of a sample of R-rated and X-rated videocassettes in which sexual, violent, sexually violent and prosocial behaviors were quantified. The five ratings for films released in the U.S. are: G, suggested for general audiences; PG, parental guidance suggested; PG-13, special parental guidance suggested for those under 13; R, restricted to persons 17 years or older unless accompanied by parent or guardian; and X, those under 18 are not admitted. When rating a film, the Motion Picture Association of America takes into account whether it upholds the dignity of life, exercises restraint in portraying juvenile crime and prohibits extreme violence and brutality.