Pornography, Normalization, and Empowerment
Submitted on Wednesday, 3 February 2010
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Abstract 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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-009-9592-5
- Authors
- Martin S. Weinberg, Indiana University Department of Sociology 1020 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington IN 47405 USA
- Colin J. Williams, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis Department of Sociology Indianapolis IN USA
- Sibyl Kleiner, Indiana University Department of Sociology 1020 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington IN 47405 USA
- Yasmiyn Irizarry, Indiana University Department of Sociology 1020 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington IN 47405 USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002
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