The pornographic body: embodiment or representation?

Article

Ciclitira, K. 2001. The pornographic body: embodiment or representation? Proceedings of the British Psychological Society. 9 (1).
TypeArticle
TitleThe pornographic body: embodiment or representation?
AuthorsCiclitira, K.
Abstract

In this paper I discuss women’s accounts of how
they view sexualised images of bodies in
pornography and the media, and the effect this
may have on their behaviour and self-image.
Binary oppositions such as active/passive,
aggressive/submissive, and hairy/hairless
constrain both men and women. Arguably these
binaries are not ‘natural’ but are culturally
produced categories. Nowadays women
increasingly challenge these norms by refusing to
shave (‘depilate’) and by engaging in ‘masculine’
pursuits such as bodybuilding. Women challenge
binaries such as heterosexual/homosexual,
masculine/feminine, while both men and women
engage with representations in pornography in
subversive and unexpected ways.

Research GroupApplied Health Psychology group
Forensic Psychology Research group
PublisherThe British Psychological Society
JournalProceedings of the British Psychological Society
ISSN1350-472X
Publication dates
PrintFeb 2001
Publication process dates
Deposited01 Dec 2009
Output statusPublished
Additional information

Psychology of Women Section Conference,
University of Dundee,
10–12 July 2000.

LanguageEnglish
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