The Positive and Negative Effects of Pornography as Attributed by Consumers

In public debates about the effects of pornography on individual consumers, and on society more generally, the main voices heard are those of church leaders, politicians, and opinion columnists. In these debates it is rare to hear the insights of those people who regularly consume pornography. This article analyses the major traditions of academic research into pornography and points out that academic work also systematically excludes the voices of these consumers. It argues that there is no justification for this position and describes a recent study that attempted to recognise the expertise of pornography consumers. The paper concludes with an example of how such a perspective could contribute to public debates by showing what consumers of pornography have to say about the effects of pornography on them, and on other people