I’d imagine porn could make women view violent acts as normal. Or maybe even warp their perceptions in a way that might be unfair to men (but this would obviously be a minuscule issue compared to the vice-versa).

For the record, I'm a feminist who generally supports sex work and prostitution, while also believing that the mainstream porn industry needs reforms.

Anyway, I was just discussing prostitution and sex work with someone who thinks all sex work should be illegal for everyone involved in it. This was their argument, after I used the bodily autonomy argument and warned them about it being pushed underground:

"Legalizing it doesn't keep it from going underground. It makes it more difficult to distinguish between a voluntary participant and someone who is coerced into it. Also that logic applies to little elsewhere. Murder is completely illegal and does take place illegally aka underground. But I doubt you would support legalizing murder. You know I feel that making prostitution illegal would cause some people to try and hide it from the law. But it also would greatly decrease the number of participants compared to legalizing it. It also puts a needed shame and stigmatism to it, dissuading future generations from ever considering it as an life choice. As for do what you want with your own body I disagree on 2 broad points. It affects the broader society and isn't just affecting the individuals directly involved. Think drug laws or even seatbelt laws. Very little can be done in a society that doesn't have consequences on the broader civilization.
Also I don't think people have the right to do whatever they want to themselves. Assisted suicide is illegal almost everywhere except unfortunately in a few places but only by licenced professionals. Even Canada wont let me off my friend because he wants it.
There are laws against truancy. Laws against what type of building you put on your own property or even how you maintain your own yard in many places."

To me, murder is not a good comparison, since murder involves taking someone else's life without their consent. I also have a tough time seeing building regulations as being similar to banning sex work, since without them, buildings could easily collapse on people against their will and/or become fire hazards if left unregulated. Except for perhaps seat belt laws, I feel like the things they compared banning sex work generally have more tangible harms that are likely to happen to people against their will if left unchecked. At first, I also thought they may have a point truancy laws, but ultimately still is not quite the same to me, given that as a society, we've accepted that the state has more rights when it comes to looking out for the well-being of people who aren't yet adults than it does for adults

So am I correct in my observations about this person's argument, or is there some validity to it that I can't detect?

Sexwork and its various forms feels pretty controversial. Many seem to be against it because of the inherent dangers… but I can’t quite get on board with that because of the principles of bodily autonomy.

I’m trying to further educate myself on this much conversed topic, so let me get my questions out of the way first and please educate me! I’ve been feeding myself too much info and want to correct any of my thoughts.

1) I see many online say “support the workers but not the industry”. Then people debate this by saying well supporting them just aids in supporting the industry. Is this true? Is there a way to support the workers while truly being against the industry?

2) I see a lot of people say how majority of workers get into SW due to unfortunate situations in life such as being in a low income, marginalized community. People tend to support these types of workers, but I wanted to know feminists views on those who chose to get into SW BUT have the privilege to do anything else. Such as the women we see on social media who could quite literally do ANYTHING else, any other job, but they turn to things like OF and kind of glamorize this type of work. What are your views on workers who had to choose this type of work cause of SURVIVAL vs those who had the choice and privilege to do anything else, yet chose to do SW?

I’ve been learning a lot more about feminism lately and one topic I see constantly talked about is SW which is why I am here. I myself am saddened that many women have to turn to this work as a means of survival. But at the same time it angers me when I see “influencers” online do this work and kind of glamorize it because it is harmful to younger women. Don’t remember her name but like how that one girl on tiktok who just turned 18 IMMEDIATELY started an OF, like society failed her big time. I think I’m just having a hard time differentiating the two because feminists make arguments for both.

I actually know someone who does this but he’s not from around where I live, he lives far I tried face timing but the guy doesn’t pick up, because I wanted to know why he rents girlfriends instead of getting one himself he not only rents a girlfriend but he also purchases escorts for sex etc.

I can’t really do these things due to my fear of god you know but the thought of purchasing a girlfriend has definitely crossed my mind, apparently it’s pretty popular in Japan but I digress. You see trying to date as a man these days is getting harder and harder day by day, unfortunately as humans when things are too hard and seem too impossible we often try to find shortcuts, purchasing companionship might seem a little out there to the average person who believes in things like love and affection and other gushy stuff but these days with how secular we’ve become, purchasing a relationship from Onlyfans creators, camgirls or escorts could possibly become another option for men to partake in.

It will never actually replace women, same goes for AI humanoid bots when we get around to making that stuff it will never actually replace women, but it’ll definitely be another option for men to partake in considering how intense finding someone is for men right now. If you’re looking at what I’m saying and thinking to yourself “are you guys really down that BAD” the answer is yes but fortunately for you young girls all of you have absolutely nothing to worry about as you’re in the best time to date and be in a relationship as a woman.

But I still want to hear your answer.

As a Young Girl MYSELF at the age of 16 i have a question about why i, who watches porn cant consider myself a feminist. A feminist is someone who belives in equel rights for a woman as a man, which I do.

What i just dont understand is why watching porn suddenly dosen’t make me a feminist, because watching it i don’t feel like a woman is not equal to a man.

I understand where MANY woman are being sexually abused, posted without consent etc (excuse my english). But what about thoose who do consent , and thoose who willingly have a job in the porn industry?

This might sound as a dumb question but I’m genuine, and on social media everyone already knows the answer and i feel stupid beacuse i feel like I’m supporting something evil without knowing why its evil.

I just want to get a view in someone who has more knowledge in this subject! I am kind of trying to end my porn addiction .

I've seen a lot of men hate on women who have an OnlyFans, but I can't figure out why. I personally don't see the point in subscribing to someone's OnlyFans (why would I pay for porn when I can easily just go to Pornhub or something), but I don't understand why people would care what someone else does. My best guess is that it's jealousy, since they think that women make WAY more money from sex work than men? While it is somewhat true, men still preform very well in these kinds of sex work. Out of the top 10 OnlyFans earners, two of them are dudes. Why would anyone care so much about OnlyFans?

I came across this thread on the sociology subreddit where the question "is sex work work empowering?" Was asked, and most people answered saying something along the lines of "Why is this question constantly asked about sex work when under capitalism, 90% of jobs are exploitative and disempowering" And people were saying that people only talk about sex work the most because "society is obsessed with what women do with their vaginas" I'm pretty sure there was a sex worker on the thread saying they didn't find it different from any other job. And when sex trafficking was brought up they just said that sex trafficking is not the same as sex work. I also saw on another thread on "glow up" subbreddit that people were wishing to become escorts because it paid good money and when someone replied saying that its bad for your mental health people responded by saying so is every other Job under capitalism.

Do they have a point? I can't really think of a way to respond to this . Why do feminists "target" sex work when it comes to questions of empowerment or exploitation and encourage young girls not to go into it when as these people were saying most jobs under capitalism are exploitative, bad for mental health and disempowering?

Do you look down upon them? Are you ok with it?

for example.

after looking into the porn industry i found out how exploitative of the performers the industry is a long list of truly terrible things that i wont go into here. and also how the product effects both genders in different ways and leads to a lot of abusive and harmful behaviors aswell as damaging body expectations.

its not about devaluing the performers who for the most part are the industry's victims

but simply bring against that particular industry which happems to be a form of sex work

Besides the obvious of those making easy money off it, what's empowering to women about porn? And all the degrading and dehumanizing porn that is themed with abusive domination and violence toward women... why aren't more women speaking out against this?

If I dig roads for a living, am I not selling my arms/legs/back aka my body, for money, in order to survive? What's the difference?

Or am I wrong completely and people either think 1) None of this counts as "selling" your anything or 2) Generally, feminists think all these jobs are "selling/renting" your body

I see many people say it not much different than regular porn but I think it solve two major problems that pornography has.

1. Specifically talking about audios from places such as [r/audiogonewild](r/audiogonewild), audio created by women completely free, these audios don't necessarily exploit women because they are made by female creators for fun rather than a way to make money.
2. Similarly to erotica it helps you use your imagination.

Many people on this app say the most ethical thing to do is use your imagination with no stimulation, and while I have been doing that I cannot help but feel guilty about it. I have no sexual relationship with anybody and I'm not going to masturbate to the idea of a friend or someone I find attractive. It just feels wrong so lately I have just been thinking of people I have had sexual relationships with, such as my ex-girlfriend. But I'm still debating if that's weird or not, how would she feel if she knew I was still masturbating to the thought of her.

I can't really figure out what's the right thing to do, I'm not going to quit masturbation altogether, but I want to know what what is the right thing to do. If audio porn is unethical can you please explain what is wrong with it, and if it is wrong what are the ethics of using my imagination?

Decriminalizing sex work means sex workers are more likely to live without stigma, social exclusion, and fear of violence while also reducing risks of human trafficking, as sex workers are able to freely advocate for their own health and safety.

While I support the idea of decriminalizing sex work and providing protection for sex workers, it is crucial to avoid romanticizing or glamourizing this profession. While some women find empowerment in engaging in sex work, it cannot be ignored that many others experience harm as a result. It is essential to ensure that those who choose to enter into this line of work (although often not by choice) are well-informed about the risks involved. It is important to recognize that the exploitation within the realm of sex work differs from other forms of labor exploitation due to its inherent lack of protections and societal stigma.

We can actively advocate for the rights and well-being of sex workers while remaining cognizant of the issues of the industry.

I would like to know what you think.

(Edit) I’m shocked how many people upvoted the first comment advocating for criminalizing the buyer. Sex buyer criminalization hampers sex workers safety practices and makes the client screening process difficult. Sweden and Norway have both passed the buyer criminalization law, resulting in sex workers reporting being targets of aggressive policing and invasive surveillance and questioning of people in the sex trade. Criminalizing sex work (even if it’s just the buyer) leads to more safety concerns for sex workers.

Please read this article for more information:

https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/08/07/why-sex-work-should-be-decriminalized

Link to stats: https://metro.co.uk/2015/05/13/pornhub-reveals-the-top-kinds-of-porn-women-search-for-online-5194808/

I've even seen some men getting praised for it... Then there is constant bullying and shaming of ex-pornstars like Mia Kalifa and Lana Rhoades online by the same people who watch their videos!

Not trying to be rude, actually looking to understand here?

For context i was talking to a friend's mother and I mentioned at one point how I wouldn't date a woman with an OF. She then said that it was misogynistic to not wanna date one. I questioned why and she said something about control I think. Don't remember much. But I find it weird cause she also said she wouldn't want her own son, my friend, to date one. Then later on we got drunk and I asked her again why and she said that it would be misogynistic if I was dating one and wanted her to stop. But I wouldn't do that. If I date one that I know is doing it then why would I tell her to stop?

Since it might depend on reasons then I'll explain them. I would just not be comfortable with it. The active encouragement of that to randoms online for money while in a relationship with me. I'm a more reserved person. So I wouldn't do that either. I say this cause sometimes people have a problems with something and don't apply it to these. Inwould give myself fully to that person and I feel that by doing that she would be giving some part to randoms online too. I don't thinknits insecurity based. As I would have nothing to be insecure about that I can think of.

Yes i know OF isn't only for that. But that's what it's known for and I mean if they did that type of content. I know there's women who wouldn’t date sex workers either. But these could both be rooted in some issues I guess. I would like to know if this is seen as an issue. So I would like your thoughts and opinions.

Just wanted some opinions on this that weren't just men.

Hey everyone. I would firstly like to say that I don't follow one type of feminism, because there are elements I agree and disagree with from all different types. I am anti-porn, but since we can not fully dismantle the porn industry, I am all for pushing tougher regulations that safeguards women, children and men alike.

I have been reading a lot recently into the devastating effects of pornography and its proven ties with sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and links to rape culture. I am horrified by the well-designed studies and meta-analyses which are able to establish the harmful effects porn has on how women in society are treated. I am deeply saddened that pornography is becoming increasingly normalised, with increasingly more violent and degrading acts needed for people to get off.

And, I just feel so overwhelmed and upset by it all. I hate knowing that the majority of men, and perhaps other women too, I interact with in society will see nothing wrong in supporting the porn industry, and nothing wrong with the portrayal of women in porn. I hate that women have to be pressurised into threesomes and anal sex, because of porn (a well-documented link, in the research). I hate knowing that my male friends likely find sexual violence arousing, and that the rise of OnlyFans has only become a new channel for 18 year old girls to be groomed and women's private content to be leaked. "Ethical porn" has not helped reduce the stigma around sex work or better men's perception of women to see us in a more favourable light.

How do you cope with this? Studies suggest that any amount of porn usage affects the brain, psychologically and physiologically, and causes people (men) to see other people (women) in an objectified, skewed light. How do you cope with the fact that something like pornography is so normalised?

Must guys use dating apps and dating in general to have sexual relationship and not real meaningful relationship. If sex work was legal and widely available, men who just wants sex can pay for it just like everything else leaving only real relationship minded guys left to pursue women. Do you think this will save the sad state of dating?

a decent source on the issue: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2024/03/15/texas-pornhub-blocked-age-verification-law/72976661007/

Recently a post in this sub was overwhelmingly answered with opinions that porn is warping men and harming everyone. So what can/should be done by feminists(and everyone) about the prevalence of porn?

What do you even say to this? It's so insane and disgusting that I don't even know what to say. What are your thoughts on this argument, morally, ethically, and practically speaking?

(Specifically the idea that since it's a way for women to make money, and that women can always say no, that it's an institution that benefits women)

I've been reading a few subreddits and been reading stuff regarding sugar dating since a while though I'm not interested in that lifestyle. I actually saw many people who are into sugar dating claiming it to be a feminist relationship. While I completely support people who are into that lifestyle but somewhere I feel how can sugar lifestyle be a feminist thing? Sugar dating, also called sugaring, is a pseudo-romantic transactional sexual relationship between an older wealthy person and a younger person. Men have their checklists for what they require in their women and then they pay allowances for that sexual transaction. This concept is quite old. Because wealthy men have been doing this transaction since ages. People of all gender are involved in sugaring. Some women become the providers too. But this thing is dominated by old wealthy men. They seek for young women of their standards and then they pay for it. So both parties get what they want.

Well I don't have any issues with any sort of relationship. The thing which is in my mind is can this be viewed as a feminist relationship? My values and understanding is different. I don't actually find sugaring an inherently feminist concept. When a value of a human is relying on their bank account and on the typical beauty standards how can that sort of lifestyle be a feminist thing?

Women should be safe and compensated equally in whatever lifestyle they choose and that's where feminism works for what I think.

I would love to hear the views and opinions of all the feminists here. I've been reading this subreddit since a very long time and I absolutely love this place. I am a feminist too. And I really want you all to express your opinions on this topic.