In response to some recent critiques, we (a) analyze the arguments and data presented in those commentaries, (b) integrate the findings of several meta-analytic summaries of experimental and naturalistic research, and (c) conduct statistical analyses on a large representative sample. All three steps support the existence of reliable associations between frequent pornography use and sexually aggressive behaviors, particularly for violent pornography and/or for men at high risk for sexual aggression. We suggest that the way relatively aggressive men interpret and react to the same pornography may differ from that of nonaggressive men, a perspective that helps integrate the current analyses with studies comparing rapists and nonrapists as well as with cross-cultural research.

Pornography and sexual aggression: are there reliable effects and can we understand them?

This article reviews the current evidence base for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hypersexual conditions. Controversy concerning this diagnosis is discussed. Terminology and diagnostic criteria, as well as psychological, psychopharmacological, and other treatment approaches, are presented.

Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hypersexuality.

Opponents and proponents of erotic representations (referred to hereafter as “pornography”) have described the effects of pornography from their perspective. Little, however, has been done in the way of research to investigate these claims from the consumer’s point of view. This especially has been so regarding the positive impact of such consumption on a person’s sex life. Using a study group of 245 college students, we examined this question in a framework of scripting theory. We wanted to see whether viewing pornography appeared to expand sexual horizons through normalization and facilitate a willingness to explore new sexual behaviors and sexual relationships through empowerment. The data supported this viewpoint and further showed the effects to be mediated by gender and sexual preference identity. They suggested, however, that established scripts were extended rather than abandoned. We conclude with connections between our findings and the widespread viewing of pornography in contemporary society.

Pornography, Normalization, and Empowerment

Although Internet pornography is widely consumed and researchers have started to investigate its effects, we still know little about its content. This has resulted in contrasting claims about whether Internet pornography depicts gender (in)equality and whether this depiction differs between amateur and professional pornography. We conducted a content analysis of three main dimensions of gender (in)equality (i.e., objectification, power, and violence) in 400 popular pornographic Internet videos from the most visited pornographic Web sites. Objectification was depicted more often for women through instrumentality, but men were more frequently objectified through dehumanization. Regarding power, men and women did not differ in social or professional status, but men were more often shown as dominant and women as submissive during sexual activities. Except for spanking and gagging, violence occurred rather infrequently. Nonconsensual sex was also relatively rare. Overall, amateur pornography contained more gender inequality at the expense of women than professional pornography did.

Gender (In)equality in Internet Pornography: A Content Analysis of Popular Pornographic Internet Videos

Although all feminists tend to value empowered female sexuality, feminists often disagree, sometimes heatedly so, about the definition of and path to empowered sexuality among adolescent girls. In this theoretical paper, two feminists, who have previously expressed differing perspectives regarding adolescent girls’ sexual empowerment (Lamb 2010a, b; Peterson 2010), discuss their disagreements and attempt to find some common ground in their viewpoints on girls’ sexuality. A critical question related to sexual empowerment is whether empowerment includes a subjective sense of efficacy, desire, and pleasure. In other words, are girls sexually empowered if they feel that they are empowered? The authors identify three themes that make answering this question particularly challenging—age differences, exposure to sexualized media, and the pressure to please a partner. Despite these challenges, the authors identify several points of consensus, including agreeing that adequate sexuality education and media literacy education are vital to optimizing adolescent girls’ sexual empowerment.

Adolescent Girls’ Sexual Empowerment: Two Feminists Explore the Concept

Reissued with a new foreword and introduction by the author Traditional explanations of why pornography must be defended from would-be censors have concentrated on censorship's adverse impacts on free speech and sexual autonomy. In contrast, Nadine Strossen focuses on the women's rights-centered rationale for defending pornography.

Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women's Rights

A Feminist Critique of "the" Feminist Critique of Pornography

Note to readers from Nadine Strossen: I gratefully acknowledge the excellent work of my New York Law School student Research Assistants, who prepared these endnotes. Most of the work was done by Kasey Kimball, who did a superb job as my Managing RA. Other valued contributions were made by Dennis Futoryan, Nana Khachaturyan, Stefano Perez, and Rick Shea. I have gladly delegated the endnoting responsibility to them, consistent with the practice of law reviews. Any readers who might have questions or comments about any endnote or source, or who might seek additional information about any point in the book, is welcome to contact me via Email: nadine.strossen@nyls.edu. I will endeavor to respond as promptly as feasible, consistent with a heavy travel and speaking schedule.

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HATE: Why We Should Resist it With Free Speech, Not Censorship

In Alabama, it's illegal to sell vibrators, but legal to buy a gun. In South Dakota, the governor won't allow Columbia University's teen sexuality information website on library computers. In California, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "The Color Purple" is banned from a high school library due to sexual content. These are just a few examples of attempts to govern or control Americans' sexual knowledge and activities. At the same time, courts regularly decide child custody disputes based on the sexuality of one or both parents. Nationwide, the heated fight against homosexual marriage continues. And the academic front is not immune to attack. Members of Congress recently attempted to stop funds for all sex research in the U.S. In all 50 states, battles rage on political, legal and social fronts regarding legislation and other actions focused on sex, sexuality and sexual education. The author, an internationally known therapist, focuses attention on the power and injustice of America's 'War on Sex'. He sees this 'war' as part of a process in U.S. public discourse whereby religion and emotion are replacing science and pluralism. A coalition of political, religious and civic leaders are using the issue of sex to frighten, misinform and bully citizens, passing laws restricting sexual expression, health care, entertainment and education. Aided by a sensation-seeking mass media, this 'unholy alliance' is deliberately inflaming Americans' anxiety about out-of-control sexuality - sex crimes, teen pregnancy, 'porn addiction,' infidelity and the 'homosexual agenda.' The resulting fear has made Americans vulnerable to dramatic new sex-negative public policies. But when public policy is driven by fear and propaganda the results poison, rather than protect.

America's War on Sex: The Attack on Law, Lust and Liberty

https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3116&context=dlj

Nadine Strossen

Papers

Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women's Rights

A Feminist Critique of "the" Feminist Critique of Pornography

HATE: Why We Should Resist it With Free Speech, Not Censorship

America's War on Sex: The Attack on Law, Lust and Liberty

Regulating Racist Speech on Campus: A Modest Proposal?