LONDON — A scholarly journal studying the effects of cultural and historical porn will make its debut in the spring of 2014.
British academic publisher Routledge has issued a call for papers to be included in its quarterly publication called “Porn Studies.”
The research work is described as “the first dedicated, international, peer-reviewed journal to critically explore those cultural products and services designated as pornographic and their cultural, economic, historical, institutional, legal and social contexts,” with particular attention to “the intersection of sexuality, gender, race, class, age and ability.”
Two British academics, Feona Attwood and Clarissa Smith, are editing the work that according to an official statement has already got university type eggheads exited.
“We have waited a long time for an academic journal that treats the subject of the representation of human sexuality with the seriousness it deserves,” Julie Peakman, a historian at the University of London and the author of 'Mighty Lewd Books: The Development of Pornography in 18th-Century England,'" said. “I look forward to a lively and disciplined debate across different disciplines.”
And according to the Routledge announcement, the study won’t be watered-down or skittish about tacking hardcore porn.
The publishers said because they feel the field of porn research is still in its “infancy,” it would deliver “innovative work examining specifically sexual and explicit media forms, their connections to wider media landscapes and their links to the broader spheres of (sex) work across historical periods and national context.”
Routledge is looking to create a forum that focuses on theoretical approaches, methodology and research ethics. “Alongside articles, the journal includes a forum devoted to shorter observations, developments, debates or issues in porn studies, designed to encourage exchange and debate.”
Submissions should be between 5000 and 8000 words. Forum submissions should be 500-1500 words. Book reviews should be between 800 and 1500 words. All works will be refereed anonymously by at least two referees.
Those interested in submitting their work can email editorspstudies@gmail.com.
