Lynne Segal

Lynne Segal is professor of psychology and gender studies at Birkbeck College, University of London. Segal argues in the following viewpoint that feminists should not oppose pornography because such efforts divert attention away from the real cause of women’s subordination: institutional patriarchy. She claims that contrary to the claims of anti-pornography feminists, most pornography does not depict violence or cause sex crimes against women. Feminists should focus their efforts on changing the basic cultural institutions that cause misogyny and oppression, Segal contends.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What flaws in the anti-pornography argument does Segal criticize?
2. According to Judith Butler, what is the function of pornography?
3. What effect did the Butler decision have on pornography sold in Canada"

Within feminism, battles over pornography have become the wars without end. We...