Overview

We may know pornography when we see it, but the business of pornography is a surprisingly elusive subject. Reliable figures about the industry are difficult to come by and widely disputed, but one matter that is hardly debatable is that pornography is a major and ubiquitous enterprise. Porn allegedly accounts for one-third of all internet traffic currently, though the data about actual consumption is unclear. Reports in recent years have suggested that 70 million individuals visit porn sites every week; that among viewers aged 18-24, women watch more porn than men; and that among middle-aged, white-collar workers, three-quarters of men and half of women have admitted to looking at pornography websites while at work. While debates and emotions around porn can run high, there is a crucial need for reliable information and rational conversation. In this book, Shira Tarrant parses the wide range of statistics that we have on the pornography industry, sorting myth from reality in an objective, fascinating and knowledgeable fashion. She looks at ongoing political controversies around the industry, the feminist porn wars, the views of the religious right, the history of pornography, landmark legal cases, and the latest in medical research. The Pornography Industry also explains the industry basics -who works in porn, why people become performers, how much they earn, and what happens on a porn set. It further delves into important questions such as: how many teenagers watch porn and should we worry about it? What is porn piracy and can it be stopped? What can the industry do about sexist and racist pornography? Does porn cause violence against women? Can people become addicted to porn? Is watching porn the same as infidelity? By presenting competing perspectives in an even-handed way, The Pornography Industry will enable readers to explore these provocative issues and make their own best decisions about the debates.

Full Product Details

Author:   Shira Tarrant, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department, California State University, Long Beach)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press Inc
Imprint:   Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 14.10cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 21.00cm
Weight:   0.250kg
ISBN:  

9780190205126

ISBN 10:   0190205121
Pages:   216
Publication Date:   29 March 2016
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Overview What is the definition of pornography? What is the difference between erotica and porn? Why does pornography matter? Is pornography a crime, a sin, a vice, or a choice? If pornography is a private issue, why talk about it in public? What makes pornography a valence issue? 2. Historical Questions When did pornography begin? How has pornography changed over time? How has technology impacted pornography? How did porn evolve in the twentieth-century? What are stag films? What is the golden era of porn? What is the video era of porn? What is the digital era of porn? What is some of the most famous (or infamous) porn in history? 3. The Pornography Industry What is the difference between mainstream and indie porn? What is the difference between features, gonzo, and unscripted porn? What are some of the leading industry organizations and publications? Where is most pornography made? What does an average contract look like? What kind of records need to be kept? What happens on a porn shoot? How much does it cost to produce porn? How much revenue does pornography generate EL and how accurate are these figures? Stolen porn: What is Internet piracy? What efforts are being made to address porn piracy? What are the awards given for porn? 4. Porn Performers How much are porn performers paid? How do rates vary? What is the pay for magazine shoots and adult-themed products? What are cam sites and how much do performers earn? What is it like to work in porn? Do porn performers enjoy having sex for the camera? Why do people become porn performers? What is the

Reviews

The debate about porn is a minefield, a thick entanglement of moral, religious, political, feminist and libertarian concerns. As with a skein of wool, as each side pulls tighter on its strand, the knot gets tighter, positions ossify, and no one listens. The always insightful writer Shira Tarrant bravely steps into the debate with a calm, thorough discussion of every aspect of the porn industry. With a careful and assured grasp on the material, Tarrant guides the reader, shaking the skein gently, letting knots untangle and individual strands become clearer. The best primer on porn one can find. --Michael Kimmel, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Stony Brook University, and author of Angry White Men

Tarrant's book sheds useful light on the bargain-basement world of contemporary porn. * The New Yorker *

Tarrant's book sheds useful light on the bargain-basement world of contemporary porn. The New Yorker

Author Information

Shira Tarrant is Professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at California State University, Long Beach.

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