Feminism and Pornography

Feminists do not present a united front on either the legal and political remedies they propose, or definitions of sexuality and appropriate standards representing it. This study is the first to treat pornography within the context of the debate among feminists, also examining nonfeminist views embodied in popular opinion and social policy. Presenting an in-depth review of feminist and nonfeminist literature, it explores influential feminist ideologies as well as those that are only beginning to be voiced.

The authors first review the femininst movement in relation to the pornography debate among both feminists and nonfeminists. Divisions over questions of sexuality, censorship, and sexual roles and lifestyles are highlighted in an analysis of radical and libertarian feminist viewpoints. Liberal, Marxist, socialist, and black approaches to feminism are also evaluated. Feminism and Pornography also addresses the male perspective on pornography and men's responses to the feminists' debate. The final chapters assess this debate in terms of empirical research on pornography, and legal and nonlegal strategies for regulating pornography. Providing an understanding of a broad range of feminist viewpoints, this balanced, even-handed discussion may prove helpful in moving beyond the current impasse. Feminism and Pornography is an important new work for research or courses in women's studies, politics, sexuality, social problems, deviance, and law.

Author: Ronald J. Berger, Patricia Searles, Charles E. Cottle
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 06/21/1991
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 9.08h x 6.20w x 0.71d
ISBN: 9780275938192

About the Author

RONALD J. BERGER is Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches courses in criminology and the sociology of law. He edited The Sociology of Juvenile Delinquency.

PATRICIA SEARLES is Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she teaches courses in gender roles, the family, and violence against women.

CHARLES E. COTTLE is Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches courses in political theory, public opinion, and research methods. The authors, together or separately, have published on a number of gender-related topics, including: sexual assault, rape law reform, women's self-defense, female delinquency, media images of women, and pornography.