Award Date

1-1-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Sociology

First Committee Member

Kathryn Hausbeck

Number of Pages

250

Abstract

A number of cultural perspectives address the question of male consumers of heterosexually oriented pornography. Porn and the consumer have been characterized from feminist, conservative, and scientific positions. Despite the presence of these perspectives, little work informed from the consumer perspective exists. This research allows consumers to speak about their own experience. This research analyzes the impact of framing discourses on the identity construction of consumers. Using concepts from Foucault and cultural studies, these questions are explored: How do discourses about consumers affect their identity construction? Which are important? How do men construct their consuming experiences? How does consumption context affect identity construction? How do consumers feel people will perceive them? Data derives from a questionnaire and individual interviews analyzed qualitatively. Findings indicate consumers' sense of themselves as influenced by discourses in culture; however, when given the opportunity to speak they demonstrate resistance.

Keywords

Construction; Consumers; Discourse; Identity; Male; Porn

Controlled Subject

Social psychology; Women's studies; Social psychology

File Format

pdf

File Size

7966.72 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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