Consider Before Consuming

Why Porn Exploits Instead of Empowering Women

Dec 18, 2024

Dr. Meagan Tyler, a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University with nearly 20 years of research on pornography and gender inequality, dives deep into the darker side of porn in this discussion. She highlights how cultural shifts and technology normalize harmful narratives about sexuality. Tyler shares alarming insights on how porn influences intimate partner violence and distorts healthy sexual norms, all while feminist ideals are often misused to disguise exploitation. The conversation encourages a reevaluation of societal views on consent and empowerment, especially for women.

53:13

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Dr. Meagan Tyler

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Quick takeaways

Cultural shifts and technological advancements have normalized pornography, blurring the lines between healthy sexual norms and exploitation in society.

Pornography distorts perceptions of consent, often normalizing sexual violence and complicating efforts to combat intimate partner violence against women.

The industry co-opts feminist ideals through 'femwashing,' misrepresenting exploitation as empowerment and leading to misconceptions about true agency and consent.

Deep dives

Normalization of Pornography

Over the past few decades, pornography has become increasingly normalized within mainstream media and culture. Factors contributing to this trend include the digitization of content, making production cheaper and more accessible, as well as shifts in societal attitudes towards sexual expression. The discussion highlights that the growth of online platforms has facilitated widespread consumption, often without critical examination. This environment has blunted the lines between healthy sexual norms and exploitative practices, leading to a cultural acceptance of pornography as a regular aspect of life.

Intro

2min

Pornography, Gender, and Cultural Shifts

7min

The Dangers of Pornography: Perceptions and Realities

13min

Reevaluating Masculinity Beyond Pornography

16min

Empowerment or Exploitation: The OnlyFans Dilemma

9min

Challenging the Narrative of Pornography

3min

Promoting Awareness on the Harms of Pornography

3min

Dr. Meagan Tyler is a Senior Lecturer in the Research Education and Development team at Australia’s La Trobe University. With nearly 20 years of experience researching the intersections of pornography, gender inequality, and violence against women, she shares her expert insights.

In this episode, she helps us understand how the normalization of pornography has been fueled by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and strategic marketing. Listeners will learn about the ways pornography influences intimate partner violence, its role in shaping unhealthy sexual norms, and how feminist ideals are co-opted to mask exploitation.

Episode Resources

Article: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Relationships?

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 25: Carolyn West

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-Aimé

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia

Meagan Tyler's Research Outputs