Supply, Demand, and Production Harms

The chapter analytically reviews research findings on pornography consumption and the harms inflicted during its production. Most men are found to use pornography, especially young men, while few women do. The multibillion-dollar pornography industry’s considerable and expanding size is noted. Empirical findings showing consumers’ desensitization and increased demand for more aggressive, subordinating, and degrading content are discussed, as is the producers’ adaptation to this popular market. Evidence of exploitation and abuse during production is considered in light of documented links and similarities between populations used in pornography and populations generally used in prostitution. Multiple disadvantages such as poverty, childhood sexual abuse and neglect, racial disparities, and lack of alternatives in these groups are assessed. Mental health sequelae (e.g., PTSD) due to abuse in pornography production is considered. Similar (but more limited) findings on gay male pornography and male performers are discussed. Contending views in the literature are addressed.