Pleasure, Pain and Pornography: a Gendered Analysis of the Influence of Contemporary Pornography on the Lives of New Zealand Emerging Adults
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Pleasure, pain and pornography: A gendered analysis of the influence of contemporary pornography on the lives of New Zealand emerging adults By Samantha Maree Keene A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology Social and Cultural Studies Victoria University of Wellington 2019 i ii Abstract Historically, concerns have been raised about violence in pornography and the influence that such portrayals may have on levels of violence against women and children. Today, pornography is pervasively available on the internet and viewed by both men and women in ever-increasing numbers. In New Zealand, violence against women and children remains at alarmingly high levels, and concerns about pornography’s influence on gendered violence are a common refrain. Research remains inconclusive about the impacts of pornography on viewers’ sexual scripts, behaviours and attitudes, yet the voices of those most affected by pornography – viewers and their partners – are often omitted from pornography studies. Few New Zealand studies employ a gendered analysis of men’s and women’s experiences with pornography. To provide research specific to New Zealand about these experiences, this thesis explores the reported influences of mainstream pornography on the lives of a self-selecting sample of (primarily) heterosexual New Zealanders between the ages of 18 and 30. It adopts a uniquely gendered analysis and critically interrogates both men’s and women’s experiences with pornography in the digital age. The findings of this research suggest that pornography research necessitates a gendered appraisal both in terms of how pornography is experienced individually, but also within intimate relationships. For instance, whilst both men and women suggested that mainstream pornography was often aggressive, demeaning and degrading, the way that aggression was perceived and understood differed between the genders. Some women spoke of ‘rough sex’ having some sexual appeal, however, they also felt conflicted about feeling aroused by pornography in which actresses appeared potentially in pain or distress. Conversely, several men spoke of aggression in pornography as commonplace but something they might avoid rather than denounce, leaving the door open for other men to engage with as a matter of individual ‘choice’. Further, men’s worries about pornography concerned their compulsive need to use it, which differs substantially from women’s concerns. This research also suggests that gender is a critical factor in considering pornography’s impact in intimate relationships, particularly regarding pornography addiction and the perceived influence of pornography on partners’ iii behaviours and sexual scripts. These findings are a testament to the gendered way that pornography is experienced, understood and interpreted in the digital age. Overall, this thesis provides a platform for future research into pornography in New Zealand. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how online pornography affects the lives of every day New Zealanders, and highlights the need for more critical, gendered analyses within this space. Further, the findings also indicate the importance of providing young people with the media literacy skills needed to appraise how mainstream pornography reinforces stereotypical gendered representations of men, women, and heterosexual sex. iv Acknowledgements As I write these acknowledgements, I am reminded of just how much of a rollercoaster this journey has been. There have been so many highs, a fair share of lows, and the process from start to finish has been a painstaking labour of love. There have been so many people that have supported me in this journey, which has been both academic and immensely personal, and it’s impossible to thank everyone individually. Talking about pornography is challenging, so opening up to a stranger about one of the most personal aspects of their lives is undoubtedly a difficult task. I want to thank the participants who took the time to share their stories and experiences with me. I was immensely privileged to hear them, and I will be forever grateful. Without your stories, this research would not have been possible. This thesis would not have got to the finish line without the continued support and guidance of my incredible supervisors, Professor Jan Jordan and Dr Carol Harrington. I struggle to find the words to express how thankful I am for everything you have done throughout this thesis journey. Jan – working with you for my entire postgraduate life has been an absolute joy. There are few people in this world that inspire us, challenge us, support us and guide us through both research and life’s obstacles. You really are one in a million. Carol – thank you so much for your critical insight and feedback, for keeping me focused and for always offering a unique perspective. Talking about sex toys at supervision meetings has been one of the most unique aspects of a doctoral project on pornography, and I would not have wanted those conversations with anyone else! I hope you are both pleased with the final product. The list of everyone else that supported and guided me through this research is almost a mile long. My family – Mum, Rachel, Ashleigh, Grandma – thank you for believing in me, listening to me, and for always being there when things were rough. My friends – Poppy, Woody, Eli, Toni, Jordan, Sally, Sophie, Shannon – thank you for your support and for listening to the trials and tribulations of both life and thesis. Finally, it’s time to celebrate! Lastly, to Gill – I’m not sure how I’m going to survive without our daily debriefs, laughs and occasional cries. Thank you for always managing to keep me grounded during the chaos. v The staff in the criminology department also deserve a massive thank you, as well as the administrative staff in the school and the wider postgraduate community. Thank you for always making me feel supported, welcome and part of the school. Finally, I’d like to thank the Royal Society of New Zealand for providing the financial support for this research. Without the scholarship offered through Jan Jordan’s Marsden Grant, this research would not have existed. Further, Victoria University’s Doctoral Submission Scholarship was instrumental in the final three months of completion. vi Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... v Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... vii Chapter One: Why study pornography? .................................................................................. 1 Why study pornography? A background to the research .......................................................... 2 Pornography or porn: a note on terminology ................................................................................ 3 The contemporary New Zealand pornographic landscape ....................................................... 7 Previous research on pornography .................................................................................................. 10 Thesis aims and key findings .............................................................................................................. 11 Chapter Two: Mapping the terrain of the pornographic research landscape ......... 15 The ‘sex wars’: conflicting feminist perspectives on pornography ..................................... 15 The shifting content of pornography: from Playboy to Pornhub .......................................... 18 From the shelves to the bedroom: the content of pornographic magazines ............... 18 Plugging in and switched on: pornography in VHS/DVD formats .................................. 19 A click away: the content of contemporary internet pornography ................................. 20 The pornographic audience: consumer engagement and experiences with sexually explicit material ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Overexposed? Young people and internet pornography .................................................... 24 Rated X: Adults viewing pornography online .......................................................................... 25 It's a man’s world? Men viewing pornography ....................................................................... 26 (C)literacy? Women’s engagement with pornography ........................................................ 28 Pornography as the ‘third’ person in a relationship? Pornography’s location in intimate relationships ........................................................................................................................... 30 Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 32 Chapter Three: Methodology .................................................................................................... 35 Theoretical framework ......................................................................................................................... 35 Pornography