What is appealing about pornography? Men account for production and consumption

Abstract

Pornography is everywhere. It is highly accessible online and spilling over into mainstream culture. The literature, while containing rich debates over the dangers and pleasures of pornography does not account for why it is so pervasive. In this research, 21 men were interviewed about how pornography is used, what kind of pornography is accessed and how they account for its appeal. The men used a combination of social understandings and personal accounts to talk about pornography in individual and group interviews. Through a thematic analysis I showed that the participants assumed pornography to be used by all men, is highly diverse and accessible, shared for a laugh or shock value and only discussed with others in a joking manner. The participants provided a narrative of becoming exposed to pornography in early adolescence, becoming desensitised and developing preferences. Through an analysis of the themes of the discourses surrounding pornography two trends were evident. Firstly, participants dismissed possible harm in pornography and justified ethical dilemmas in its production through reasons such as choice, pay and pleasure. While this works to dismiss concern, there is another tone underlying some of the responses and jokes. This suggests a more sexist or misogynistic context. Finally, I discuss participants response to the question, "What is appealing about pornography?" Discursive psychology is used to show the ways in which participants use language to simplify, minimise, justify and dismiss appeal. References to a male sexual drive discourse, neoliberal notions of individual difference, among difficulty in articulating responses are used to show that pornography consumption and production is seldom questioned. This suggests that the cultural context lacks the space and language for critical engagement. I argue that while there are clear dilemmas associated with pornography, the lack of space to be able to talk about it works to prevent examination or critique. However some participants were able to demonstrate engagement with ethical dilemmas as aided by the interview process. This suggests that is it possible to produce critical thinking at a time where technology and pornography is expanding and young people are more exposed than ever.