Routledge's 'Porn Studies' Journal Under Attack

BOSTON — The feminist antiporn group Stop Porn Culture has sponsored a petition on iPetitions.com in an attempt to change the editorial board and title of Routledge’s forthcoming white-paper publication, “Porn Studies.”

The petition has received 641 signatures thus far, many of them on public display on the website. Stop Porn Culture's goal is to receive 800.    

Constance Penley, professor of film and media studies at UCSB and co-editor of “The Feminist Porn Book: The Politics of Producing Pleasure,” criticized Stop Porn Culture for their decision to rally antagonism against the journal.

“[The petition] reveals a total lack of understanding about academic freedom, academic integrity and the nature of scholarship,” Penley told XBIZ. “The petition and the comments by the signers reveal how desperate the antiporn people are to prevent any research being done that might not support their ideological position.”

The online petition outlines its grievances, essentially critiquing the journal for privileging a pro-porn perspective and ignoring dissenting opinions.

“Routledge is in a position of authority, and framing the editorial experts on porn as pro-porn under the auspices of neutrality (which is what the journal title does) further fosters the normalization of porn and misrepresents the academic, political and ideological debates about the issue,” the petition reads.

It concludes by asking “Porn Studies” to include editorial voices from divergent academic schools or change its name to reflect its alleged bias, suggesting the title “Pro Porn Studies” as a viable alternative.

The petition bears no legal impetus regardless of the number of signatures it receives.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Penthouse Names Hazel Winters August's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Hazel Winters as Pet of the Month for August.

Onahole Debuts New 'KYO' Cock Ring Collection

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new KYO line of cock rings.

Deviate Launches Adult Industry Graphics Company Gala Design

Pleasure brand Deviate Network has incorporated its graphics department as its own adult industry-focused design company, Gala Design.

Orion Debuts New Styles From 'Svenjoyment' Line

Orion Wholesale has released four new styles from its Svenjoyment line.

Monster Cocks Debuts 'Screamer' Dildo

Pleasure brand Monster Cocks has introduced its new dildo, the Screamer.

Bree Mills Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Thriller 'The Secrets We Share'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the thriller, "The Secrets We Share," written and directed by studio CCO Bree Mills.

Evil Angel Drops Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs 4'

Evil Angel has released director Angelo Godshack’s “Hardcore Gangbangs 4.”

Kheper Debuts New 'Hot Naked Men' Playing Cards

Kheper Games has introduced its new "20 Years of Hot Naked Men" deck of playing cards.

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

Sabien DeMonia Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Sabien DeMonia stars with Jordi El Nino Polla and Danny D in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Double Stuffed Sabien.”

Show More