The "victims" need protection, they claim, which, ironically, they say comes in the form of laws restricting what women legally can and cannot do with their own bodies.
While it can be argued that pornography reinforces negative male attitudes towards women in society and it increases the incidence of sex crimes, these are unfair claims (Peterson, 1998). While men may bring deep-rooted attitdevelop negative attitudes towards women. Even if pornography were banned, negative attitudes towards women would not disappear. In addition, there is little evidence to suggest that widespread distribution and use of soft-core pornography increases numbers of sex crimes.
In addition, it is important to note that many men who support feminism and women's rights enjoy pornography (Peterson, 1998). In addition, many successful heterosexual couples in committed relationships use soft-core pornography to improve their sex lives. For men and women who want to remain faithful to their partners, soft-core pornography is a way of keeping their relationships spicy. In this light, pornography can be beneficial to society.
According to Peterson (1998): "Individual men and women and couples, who feel free from sexual oppression, are likely to feel sexually content within themselves and their partners. Sexual frustration and anxiety can lead to depression and despair. It seems prudent to work towards a society in which individuals feel sexually free and liberated, whether they choose to be in relationships or not, a society in which the law has its place, by knowing its place."
Feminism
Feminism is a social theory and political movement that has been mostly motivated by the experiences of women (Wikipedia, 2004). While often providing a critique of social relations, many supporters of feminism also focus on improving gender inequality and the promotion of women's rights, interests, and...
Examples of feminist issues include reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, sexual harassment, discrimination and sexual violence. Themes explored in feminism include discrimination, stereotyping, objectification, oppression and patriarchy.
The term "feminism" suggests a single ideology (Wikipedia, 2004). However, the movement has numerous subgroups. Due to historical precedents, the current legal status of women in a variety of countries, and other factors, feminist ideology has spread in different directions to achieve its goals. As a result, there are several different kinds of feminism.
For example, one subtype of feminism, Radical feminism, views patriarchy as the root cause of the most serious social problems (Wikipedia, 2004). Other feminists argue that there are social problems separate from or prior to patriarchy (such as racism or class divisions); they view feminism as one movement of liberation among many.
Any way we look at it, feminism has been a part of society for a long time and will continue to be so in the future. In conclsuion, feminism means believing in equal rights among the genders, in social, political, and economic aspects.
References
Feigelman, Bill. Young, Jim. (2003). Sociology: Fourth Edition. Chapter 11: Race and Ethnicity.W.W. Norton.
Kent, Raymond. (2004). What is Social Work? The Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from the Internet at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm.
Peterson, Patricia. (August 14, 1998). Pornography's legitimate place in society. Courier Mail.
Wikipedia. (2004). Feminism. Retrieved from the Internet at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism.
