Pornography - an Industry Systematically Shaping Relationships and Views towards Women

Pornography – an Industry Systematically Shaping Relationships and Views

Robert Docter The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission 2015-16

221 East 52nd Street, New York City, NY 10022 Phone: 212-758-0763 E-Mail: IHQ-ISJC@salvationarmy.org Web address: www.salvationarmy.org/ISJC

TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract

3

INRODUCTION

4

GENDER ROLES

4

Diagram A: Impact of pornography on gender roles

6

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

6

EXTRAMARITAL BEHAVIOR

9

MEN’S SELF-VIEW

10

WOMEN’S SELF-VIEW

12

SEXUAL AGGRESSION

13

LINKS TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SEX CRIMES

15

Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Youth

16

THEOLOGY - A Look on Lust and Treatment of Women in the Bible

17

Old Testament Look into God’s View of Women

18

New Testament Look at Jesus’ Encounter and Treatment of Women

20

THE SALVATION ARMY’S ROLE

22

Suggested Areas for Further Study

25

Bibliography

27

Abstract Pornography is a social evil that leads to many negative behaviors. Research suggests it contributes to objectification and dehumanization of a person, most often women, so that the person is demeaned. Research also suggests pornography is associated with an increased tolerance to physical and sexual aggression against women. Increased relational anxiety amongst pornography users, as well as poorer satisfaction and quality of intimate partner relationships with an associated increase of infidelity and partnership breakdown, is also reported. Many who indulge in viewing pornography appreciate the immediate pleasure of sexual arousal but do not recognize the detrimental effects of its use to themselves, their partners, their relationships and to the society in which they live. Although access to pornography has increased dramatically with the advancement of technology, pornography itself is not a new phenomenon.

A number of biblical stories illustrate attitudes toward women that are harmful and research into pornography highlights some of these.

This paper will address the issues of pornography, examining research that demonstrates how pornography affects men’s views of women in a negative way. This research article examines a number of peer-reviewed and validated research studies relating to pornography’s effect on men and their partners. In compiling research, it examines common trends and patterns relating to (a) gender role conflict, (b) intimate relationships, (c) extramarital behavior, (d) men’s internal view, (e) women’s internal view, and (f) sexual aggression. Also included is a brief section relating pornography to human trafficking. From these topics, it will discuss the theological and The Salvation Army views of viewing pornography. This article is written for The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission (ISJC).

Introduction The growth in technology within the last few decades has brought tremendous advantages, yet it carries significant risks. Most electronic devices link to Wi-Fi from almost any location making pornography easily accessible. Pornography is legal in the United States and in many other parts of the world. An estimated 12% of all web sites are pornography-related, as are 25% of all search engine requests1. Considering the popularity of pornography, it would be wise to recognize any effect that it may have on behavior.

Pornography is defined as “… sexual content (visual, auditory, or written) … for the purpose of sexual arousal and stimulation2”. The main audience demographic is males who watch pornography alone. Women who view pornography usually do so with their partners3. Because the majority of viewers are male4, most of the studies examine men’s behavior in relation to use of pornography including internal views, relationships, and attitudes towards women. Research cited in this paper suggests that an influential relationship exists between pornography and gender roles, relationships, extramarital behavior self-views of both men and women and sexual aggression.

Gender Roles The American Psychological Association defines male gender role conflict as a “…psychological state in which restrictive definitions of masculinity limit men's well-being and human potential. Gender role conflict (GRC) doesn't just harm boys and men, but also girls and

1

Eileen L. Zurbriggen, et. al. (2010). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. 10.

2 Schneider, J. P. (2000). A Qualitative Study of Cybersex Participants: Gender differences, Recovery Issues, and Implications for Therapists. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 250.

3 Maddox M. Mark et al. (2011). Viewing Sexually-explicit Materials Alone or Together: Associations with Relationship Quality. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2 (40): 446.

4 Ibid.

women, transgendered people, and society at large5”. Society reinforces attitudes and ideology on what men should think, do, feel, say, and act. This is usually in the form of “masculine” roles – avoidance of feminine roles, homophobia, self-reliance, aggression, achievement and status, and restricted emotionality.6 This constructed role of masculinity contributes and influences various interactions and feelings towards women independently, but the combination of habitual pornography use and societal gender roles negatively affect viewers’ attitudes toward women7.

Pornography, consistently depicts verbal aggression towards women and often depicts sexual aggression, fictional violence and pretend rape8 9. Many hypothesize that these persistent images reinforce constructed gender roles and gender role conflict, and therefore affect men’s views of women. The feelings evoked contribute to negative attitudes to women – women as sexual objects, normalization of rape culture, and attraction to sexual aggression10. Destructive gender roles are reinforced when viewing pornography and harmful practices become normalized. Societal expectations combined with nature of pornographic content also increase the rigidity of harmful gender roles. Because of societal gender roles that suggest men do not show intimacy, the use of pornography can also become a sexual outlet for males. Many men dealing with deficits of interpersonal functioning, lack of communication, and avoidance of intimacy in relationships use pornography as an outlet for immediate sexual satisfaction.. This combination leads to the strengthening of negative feelings towards women, as shown below:

O’Neil, James M. Summarizing 25 Years of Research on Men’s Gender Role Conflict Using the Gender Role Conflict Scale: New Research Paradigms and Clinical Implications. The Counseling Psychologist (38): 358-445.

6 Mincey, Krista D. et al. (2014). Being a Black Man: Development of the Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) for Black Men. Journal of Men's Studies 22, no. 3: 167-68.

7 D’Abreu, Lylla Cysne Frota; Krahé, Barbara. (2014) Psychology of Men & Masculinity. 153-54 8 Ibid.

9 Szymanski, Dawn, Stewart-Richardson, Destin N. (2014). Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Correlates of Pornography use on Young Adult Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships. Journal of Men's Studies. 65 10 Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C., & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression and Sexual Behavior in Best-Selling Pornography Videos: A Content Analysis Update. Violence against Women.

5

Diagram A: Impact of pornography on gender role

Gender Role Conflict Stress on males for gender role

Pornography Outlet

behaviors - avoidance of feminine Depictions of aggression towards roles, homophobia, self-reliance, aggression, achievement and status,

women – sexual, verbal, rape, and violence.

and restricted emotionality

Negative views and feelings towards women

This puts women at risk for verbal and physical abuse. It also contributes to negative stereotypes that suggest that women are inferior. Males with GRC behaviors, show a higher chance of negative behavior towards women when combined with pornography viewing11. Therefore, as seen in Diagram A, an already existing GRC is exacerbated when combined with viewing pornography and increases the chance of negative views towards women.12.

Intimate Relationship In research surrounding intimate relationships and a partner viewing pornography, three components are consistently discussed: (1) sexual satisfaction, (2) detachment, and (3) avoidance

11

Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C., & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression and Sexual Behavior in Best-Selling Pornography Videos: A Content Analysis Update. Violence against Women.

12 Szymanski, Dawn, Stewart-Richardson, Destin N. (2014). Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Correlates of Pornography use on Young Adult Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships. Journal of Men's Studies. 65.

and/or anxiety. The three relate to adult attachment theory, and are significant components of a healthy, intimate relationship.

Firstly, viewing pornography can reduce sexual satisfaction. Less sexual satisfaction was reported among couples when the male viewed sexually explicit material.13 From an ElleMSNBC poll taken in 2004, 35 percent of those viewing pornography admitted to less sexual arousal, and 45 percent said they masturbated too much14. This argument is supported by research with males those who do not view sexually explicit materials. In these it is reported “As expected, individuals who did not view SEM [sexually explicit material] at all reported lower negative communication and higher dedication than individuals who viewed SEM alone or both alone and with their partner Additionally, individuals who did not view SEM at all reported higher sexual satisfaction and relationship adjustment compared to those who viewed SEM only alone. Lastly, those who did not view SEM at all had an infidelity rate that was at least half that of the other three groups15�.

Viewing pornography, often an escape from intimacy, decreases emotional involvement between partners16 13 Behaviors contributing to this include poor communication, avoidance, and false expectations. Relationally, couples reported less negativity towards one another when sexually explicit material was not viewed by either one. This included attributes that are generally associated with a good relationship such as dedication, communication, intimacy, and care giving.

13

Ibid 67-68.

Paul, Pamela. (2005). Pornified. 153.

15 Maddox, Amanda M. et al. (2009) Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone or Together: Associations with Relationship Quality. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

16 Ibid 67.

14

Additionally, studies suggest that pornographic material, a common platform for female degradation, leads to less intimate relationships between partners due to conflicting ideas and outlets for intimacy. For instance, research suggests that pornography leads males to compare their female partners to pornography actresses, suggesting that subjects compare pornography content to daily life interactions, resulting in greater dissatisfaction with the partner in the relationship. This itself, leads to less sexual satisfaction and a decreased expression of affection17. Less sexually explicit material contributes to a healthier style of attachment.

Altogether, it appears that pornography use contributes to detachment between partners.

Many expressed impairment, disruption, and insecurities of secure attachment18. Furthermore, the Zitman study expresses specific reasons for detachment – rooting to the nature of pornography content where “The detached, objectifying, exploitative sexuality of pornography directly impacts attachment trust, eroding any safe expectation of one’s partner “being [faithfully] for the other19”.

Pornography viewing affects the men’s view of women through the form of detachment, therefore diminishing a healthy relationship.

In addition to detachment, avoidance and anxiety appear to result in, and also cause, increased pornography viewing habits. One study finds that pornography acts as a socializing agent to those who have anxiety. It finds that individuals who avoid romantic attachments and carry relationship anxiety are more likely to have a pornography habit20. The need for sexual satisfaction makes pornography an easy outlet when fighting existing anxiety and avoidance.

17

Eileen L. Zurbriggen, et. al. (2010) Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls.

18 Zitzman, Spencer T. et al. (2009). Wives’ Experience of Husbands’ Pornography Use. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. 214-15.

19 Ibid.

20 Tylka, Tracy L. (2015). No harm in looking, right? Men’s pornography consumption, body image, and well-being.

Psychology of Men and Masculinity. 103-4.

According to research from the perspective of the non-viewing partner, pornography disrupts relationships because the act displays a noncommittal action21. The act tarnishes the relationship, often resulting in issues with one or both the partners. Pornography prohibits “positive affect” - a relationship quality involving life satisfaction, overcoming distressing situations, and trustworthy and healthy attachment22. This prohibition of healthy relational behaviors contributes to the occurrence of detachment. Due to both content and the consequences of habitual use, pornography is associated with distress23.

Research suggests that a dangerous relationship between avoidance anxiety and pornography occurs. Because avoidance/anxiety is associated as precursors and consequences, viewing pornography can trigger a strengthening habit. Understanding the possible attributes of a person struggling with pornography along with methods in treating habitual use is therefore important.

Studies suggest pornography strengthens detachment, sexual dissatisfaction, and avoidance/anxiety. Such characteristics are also suggested to lead one to initially view pornography as a means of temporary comfort. Therefore, it creates a cycle of a decrease in sexual satisfaction, detachment from partner, loss of trust, feeling of abandonment, and avoidance, with diminishing relationships Extramarital Behavior Research illustrates that a number of feelings cross a partner’s mind when a loved one views pornography. Some see it as a form of extramarital behavior viewing it as an act of betrayal or a form of cheating. Because extramarital sex is the leading cause of divorce in various United States studies24, understanding the implications of pornography on extramarital

21

Ibid 104.

Ibid 104.

23 Ibid 104.

24 Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s Reasons for Divorcing. Journal of Family Issues.

22

behaviour needs consideration. The pornography content promotes extramarital behavior where, “In sum, pornography provides both abstract and specific scripts supporting the perspective that extramarital sex is normative and rewarding25”. Studies suggest that pornographic content morphs viewer’s feelings towards relationships and partners. Due to pornographic content regularly depicting a fictional form of “cheating” on a partner, the behavior is normalized26.

Interestingly, similar trends in research of extramarital behaviors and pornography consumption go beyond the U.S. and into Asia27. The research suggests that pornography acts as a contributor towards normalizing extramarital affairs – as an act of progressive detachment from the partner, in addition to the content of pornography depicting extramarital activities in fictional settings.

Men’s Self-View Research regarding negative consequences of pornography primarily examines men’s view towards others, usually women. However, findings suggest anxiety and detachment also occur within the subjects themselves. Earlier the discussion of gender role conflict covered a portion of the effect on viewer’s personal view. Many societal norms expect males to act a certain way thus creating a strain that affects the body and mind when this expectation is not realized. This section looks at research which examines male subjects with excessive pornography habits and the effects it has on themselves.

Idealization and internalization of a mesomorphic body type occurs when viewers watch pornographic material thus leading to dissatisfaction with their own body28. As stated previously,

25

Wright, Paul J. et al. (2014). More than a Dalliance? Pornography Consumption and Extramarital Sex Attitudes among Married U.S. Adults." Psychology of Popular Media Culture. 98.

26 Ibid 101.

27 Ibid 98.

28 Tylka, Tracy L. (2015). No harm in looking, right? Men’s pornography consumption, body image, and well-being.

Psychology of Men and Masculinity 97.

many view pornography because of an existing anxiety about intimacy associated with avoidance. These attributes relate to insecurities of the subjects. Quantitative studies look at possible outcomes relating to insecurities, anxiety, and avoidance to those with pornography habits. Findings suggest a decrease in confidence of one’s self29. Viewers reported that they often long for similar attributes to the subjects in films including physical appearance and sexual drive.

Similarly another study suggests, “This pattern of relationships indicates that men who view pornography are more likely to focus on how they look rather than what their body can do for them, and less likely to challenge cultural appearance ideals and engage in self-care behaviors for their body30”. Men reported negative impacts in 2004, “…Elle-MSNBC.com poll of 15,246 Americans, 13 percent of men confessed that viewing sex online caused them to worry that they might not satisfy their partner’s needs… 8 percent admitted that after viewing online porn, they felt bad about their own bodies31”.

Harms stretch beyond relationship issues and personal anxiety and are damaging to one’s emotional self. Furthering the trend in negative self-body image, sexual satisfaction of pornography causes some to hold insecurities.

Related studies recommend that young men struggling with body image, anxiety, and relationship issues need a safe platform to discuss such topics including pornography32. Viewing pornography often falls under a sexual taboo prohibiting discussion and action to combat it.

29

Ibid 103.

Ibid 103.

31 Tylka, Tracy L. (2015). No harm in looking, right? Men’s pornography consumption, body image, and well-being.

Psychology of Men and Masculinity 104.

32 Paul, Pamela. (2005) Pornified. 82.

30

Rather than solely criticizing the behavior of watching pornography, it is important to understand the possible predisposed issues that exist within the viewers when treating the behavior.

When habitual use continues it can become an addiction, furthering the effect of self harm.

Women’s Self-View Research examining men’s views of women often detail it from the perspective of an existing relationship between two partners. Multiple accounts detail women’s experiences of a partner’s habitual pornographic use and the feelings they carry towards the content, their partner, and themselves. This section looks at research concerning women’s self-views in relation to habitual pornography.

Research findings suggest that from a woman’s perspective, there is a destructive relationship between male partners viewing pornography and a woman’s self-view. Because of the content and act of viewing, women can struggle with detachment as it changes the woman’s perceptions of the partner; and her view of her own self-worth. In response to partners viewing pornography, women reported they felt sentiments similar to those felt with extramarital behavior, feelings of “betrayal”, “isolation”, “uncertainty”, “confusion”, and “loss of trust in the relationship” all of which significantly damage relationships33. However, pornography is a unique scenario in itself, with the content of the material contributing another dimension to the feeling of betrayal and confusion. Pornography often objectifies women34, and contains content of pretend rape, sexual violence, and verbal violence35.

33

Szymanski, Dawn M. et al. (2014) Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Correlates of Pornography use on Young Adult Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships. Journal of Men's Studies. 67.

34 Eileen L. Zurbriggen, et. al. (2010). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls.

35 D’Abreu, Lylla Cysne Frota; Krahé, Barbara. (2014). Predicting Sexual Aggression in Male College Students in Brazil Psychology of Men & Masculinity. 153-54.

Additionally, many women see the action of viewing pornography as a form of cheating and an affair36. Such feelings lead to a number of repercussions in the relationship where women and men feel less affection, sexual satisfaction, and genuineness in the relationship and towards each other37. Reactions from the men towards their partners often perpetuate these feelings. The objectifying material of pornography has seen evidence of men looking at partners and rating them compared to those seen in the pornographic material – leading men to see partners as less attractive38.

The reactions women have towards partners who view pornography and themselves, results in diminishing relationship with decreased intimacy, affection, sexual satisfaction, and self-worth.

Sexual Aggression Due to the regular degrading and aggressive content of pornography39, it’s important to see the potential impact involved. Some studies shockingly depict the relevance of sexual aggression in general terms without mention of viewing pornography. For instance, a Brazilian study of young adult men suggests that “… 34% of the male participants reported some form of sexual aggression, including rape and attempted rape since 1440”. This statistic represents only a small portion of the population in a particular country, but sexual aggression is seen throughout all aspects of present western culture, especially the United States through movies, television, media, and gender roles. Violence and aggression is consistently portrayed in pornographic material. One study found that, “An analysis of 304 scenes of pornographic TV content revealed

36

Bergner, Raymond M. et al. (2011). The Significance of Heavy Pornography Involvement for Romantic Partners: Research and Clinical Implications. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. 195-96.

37 Eileen L. Zurbriggen, et. al. (2010). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. 28 38 Ibid.

39 Ibid 18-34.

40 D’Abreu, Lylla Cysne et al. (2014). Predicting Sexual Aggression in Male College Students in Brazil Psychology of Men & Masculinity.

that 88% contained physical aggression and 49% contained verbal aggression. In 94% of the cases, the targets were women41”. The impact from societal gender roles, coupled with the act of men viewing pornography which is violent in content, and its effect on aggression towards women needs to be explored in more depth, as some research suggests that the sexual content in pornography has a harmful impact on behaviors towards women. Studies conclude that pornography normalizes harmful actions and ideas (sexual and general aggression in sexual acts towards a partner, looking down on women, etc.) which males have towards women or partners.42. It has also been found that when pornographic content included sexual violence and rape, there was more of a tendency for males to accept sexual aggression, thus reinforcing rape culture43. Interestingly the study expressed a need to examine the effects of alcohol when combining pornography usage in relation to sexual aggression44. Another study looked at males in Asia and produced similar results where men who view more pornography are more prone to accept rape myths and harm women45. Viewing content that depicts intimacy and sexual encounters creates a false sense of normalcy between the viewer and his partner. Studies suggest that normalizing behaviors like sexual aggression carry serious implications and potential harm.

With the internet giving greater accessibility to pornography and harassment it’s important to review the effect of the world wide web on male attitudes and behaviours. In one study, based solely on what is called “Technology-based sexual coercion (TBC)”, it was found that online socialization becomes an easier and more prevalent place to sexually harass females

41

Ibid 153-54.

D’Abreu, Lylla Cysne Frota, et al. (2014). Predicting Sexual Aggression in Male College Students in Brazil Psychology of Men & Masculinity.159.

43 Davis, Kelly Cue, et al. (2006). Men’s Likelihood of Sexual Aggression: The Influence of Alcohol, Sexual Arousal, and Violent Pornography. Aggressive Behavior. 581-82.

44 Ibid 588.

45 Phillips, Joshua Daniel (2012). – site of literature of actual study done by [Wei, Ven-Hweri, et al. (2010). Internet Pornography and Teen Sexual Attitudes and Behavior. China Media Research. 66-75 42

and upwards to 20% males admitted to it 46, supporting the theory that it can contribute to increased sexual aggression. The accessibility of pornographic material online, the content of which has been shown to be harmful, compounds the growing issue of men’s aggressive and harmful attitudes towards women.

Links to Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes When examining the issues surrounding pornography, there are other issues that need further examination beyond its effects on the viewers. Firstly, the pornography industry presents an accessible setting for perpetration of sex crimes. The internet has made it easier for child sex offenders to link together and share illegal and exploitative child pornography with one another47. From reports, including from the FBI, such material and online communities of sex offenders leads to physical sexual offending spurred by cybersex offending48. Reports also suggest that the internet leads to increased prostitution of juveniles as well49.

Human trafficking in the global pornography industry is prevalent. Advertising prostituted women in pornography is common where pimps pay the pornographers and the pornography companies to advertise50. Furthermore, children can easily be subjects in pornographic material in parts of the world where restrictions are easy to bypass51. Deeper exploration and analysis of the links between human trafficking and pornography is needed in order to combat a growing sector of human trafficking.

46

Thompson, Marie P. et al. (2013). Prospective Predictors of Technology-Based Sexual Coercion by College Males. Psychology of Violence 3, 241-42.

47 Cohen Almagor, Raphael. (2013). Online Child Sex Offenders: Challenges and Counter-Measures. Howard Journal of Criminal Justice. 194.

48 Ibid 195-98.

49 Wells, Melissa. (2012). Exploring the Role of the Internet in Juvenile Prostitution Cases Coming to the Attention of Law Enforcement. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse. 327-342.

50 MacKinnon, Catherine A. (2004-2005) Pornography as Trafficking. Journal of International Law. 995.

51 Ibid.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Youth The pornography industry creates greater difficulty in combatting human trafficking throughout the world. This is due, largely, to the distribution of material and communication through the internet. One study suggests that it noticeably makes juvenile trafficking more accessible. It examined multiple court cases in the United States revolving around juvenile trafficking in an attempt to grasp the nature of this new trend, and found an increasing presence of perpetrators and pedophiles using the internet for material52. It also found that child pornography and trafficking is spread widely due to advertising in the pornography itself and through the wider internet, via chat rooms and forums53. Accessing and investigating these areas of the internet is more difficult in comparison to trafficking on the street. Research details the comparison of physical, on-the-street presences versus investigative searching through cyber walls and barriers on the internet when combatting youth exploitation,and suggests that one of the difficulties of the internet occurs because of vague advertising such as “young girls� where age is not mentioned54. The lack of clarity of age in such advertising hinders investigation and prosecution. Additionally, research suggests greater numbers of people are involved through internet trafficking and exploitation where 90% of cyber-trafficking court cases involved a thirdparty offender55. The same study analyzing U.S. court cases involving child sexual exploitation, found the main means of internet involvement was through online escort service or advertising, followed by child pornography with compensation, and emergence of email, text, and instant messaging56. Due to the multiple outlets for pedophiles and pimps to utilize, combatting youth

52

Klein, Carolina A. (2014). Digital and Divergent: Sexual Behaviors on the Internet. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online. 339.

53 Wells, Melissa & Mitchell, Kimberly J. & Ji, Kai. (2012). Exploring the Role of the Internet in Juvenile Prostitution Cases Coming to the Attention of Law Enforcement. Journal of child Sexual Abuse. 339.

54 Ibid.

55 Ibid.

56 Ibid 338.

exploitation is especially difficult. Pedophiles hold a particular risk in that they can also lure children into chat rooms and social media by making a false alias of them including a false age57.

Difficulty in unraveling networks of perpetrators is contributed to by false aliases, numerous third-party offenders, and confidence of victims and subjects information. Understanding the difficulties in combatting this emerging form of child trafficking and exploitation should not discourage, rather understanding the barriers can produce better knowledge of the risks involved and the specific areas requiring work. Pornography provides a place for advertising and connections to exist between perpetrators and luring child subjects. Although the research analyzed looks at American characteristics, the internet involves the globe.

In summary, research suggests that pornography not only contributes to negative and harmful attitudes to women, but it also increases the risk of child trafficking and exploitation.

Theology – A Look on Lust and Treatment of Women in the Bible The next section provides a drawing of scripture and theological principles to negate detrimental attitudes towards women – a theme that is evident by the use and content of pornography. These attitudes include lust, anxiety and the commodification of women and frequently lead to relationship breakdown and feelings of neglect and betrayal. The following pieces of scripture are examples of these attitudes, and provide a comparison to present day research.

57

Klein, Carolina A. (2014). Digital and Divergent: Sexual Behaviors on the Internet. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online. 497.

Old Testament Look into God’s View of Women A number of warnings about lust and wanting to use another human for personal gratification are especially evident in the Old Testament. There are a number of stories that demonstrate how women were viewed as sexual objects to be desired and taken, leading to severe consequences – including extra-marital behavior and breakdown of relationships. One example is when David views Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 in a lustful way. David catches sight of Bathsheba bathing when standing on his roof. He follows through on his lust and sleeps with her.

Attempting to fix the adulterous act, he murders Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. The story of David falling into lust is dramatic; it depicts him viewing Bathsheba as a sexual object, ignoring anything except his own sexual gratification, leading him into not only adultery, but murder.

This pattern continues with David’s son Amnon. 2 Samuel 13 describes the turmoil in David’s family, beginning with Amnon’s lustful obsession with his brother’s sister, Tamar. He sees her as a sexual object and has no regards for genuine love and care. This is telling when he rapes Tamar. After the incident, Amnon was filled with hate towards Tamar, “Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Get up and get out!”” (2 Samuel 13:15 NIV).

This is similar to the repercussions that arise from pornography – research suggests cases of increased anxiety and avoidance towards women partners. Amnon is filled with negative feelings, and assumingly anxiety and avoidance of the situation and action he partook in. He displaces these feelings into a hatred of Tamar. Both David and Amnon fail to recognize the fact that women are made in God’s image, and instead let temptation and lust tarnish that image – both providing examples of the consequences that often follows lust. The commodification of women is prevalent in these passages in addition to providing the repercussions that follow.

Genesis 16 details the same theme of commodification of women and lustfulness, but provides a perspective of the victim – the woman. Abram’s wife Sarai could not bear children so Abram used a servant girl, Hagar to bear a child. The pressure for bearing a child was significant in these times. Married women were often shamed if they were unable to bear children. The female slave of Sarai and Abram had to carry the pregnancy and then give the baby to Sarai and Abram without any ownership of the child. Sarai and Abraham’s relationship and that of Sarai and Hagar was badly damaged. When Sarai did finally have a child, Hagar and her child were no longer needed and were cast out into the desert to die, and they were expendable. The story reflects the feelings of Hagar afterwards when she flees Sarai where an angel of the Lord finds her: “The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,: she answered” (Genesis 16: 7-8, NIV).

This story provides an emotional account of a woman who goes through the immensely difficult task of bearing a child that’s not hers to own after birth. Imagining the situation in Hagar’s shoes, it’s understandable she tried to flee the situation. The usage of her body for both sex and childbearing without ownership of the new born is psychologically and emotionally bearing. But God rescues her and her child. God sees her as a person of worth, despite being not only a female, but a female slave, and promises his blessing to them both. His love is not one of treating women as a commodity rather it’s one of love and value no matter what their status.

Other examples from the Old Testament challenge a cultural perception where women were commodified. Women were considered inferior to men and as a commodity to be used as a

nest rather than an equal contributor to the development of a child. Yet according to God’s scheme, women play an important part in Israel’s history (Esther, Rahab, the widow who gave Elijah hospitality), and they are held up as role models (Ruth). These women mentioned are each portrayed as people of great significance. These examples all serve to contrast God’s view of women with the view of women as portrayed in the use of pornography.

New Testament Look at Jesus’ Encounter and Treatment of Women In the era of the New Testament, within a culture of strict patriarchy and maledominance, Jesus noticeably treated women differently with love, acceptance, and equality.

Jesus provides relatable guidance; for he was sent to earth as flesh. His treatment of women in particular models the way God wants his people to enact. Rather than submitting to the culture of the time in a society that viewed women as a commodity, he heals, loves, trusts, and ministers to them. This is evident when understanding the type of women he ministered to throughout his ministry. In regards to lust and women, a few moments depict his love and acceptance to them as equals. In Matthew 9:19-26, he heals a bleeding woman and restores a girl to life. Society in that time saw haemorrhaged women as unclean and as outcasts. Jesus bypasses this social stigma – valuing this woman as one who is a child of God. “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you” and the woman was healed at that moment” (Matthew 9:20-22, NIV).

Calling her a “daughter” and valuing her faith over her social status reminds believers to love without judgement. Women in pornography are often seen as unclean, sinful, and sexual objects.

They are subject to violence and degradation, and this contributes to gender conflict where women are less valued than men. Besides the lustful sin of watching the content, consuming content that treats women as sexual objects is not an act of love. Jesus never loved this way. He works with this haemorrhaged woman, parallel to the women who are depicted in pornography, and shares his love and guidance through acceptance, comfort, and ministering.

Similarly to the haemorrhaged woman, Jesus meets a woman at a well in Samaria during his journey back to Galilee from Jerusalem. However, if analysing this encounter in the context of the culture at the time, the encounter is unexpected. The Samaritan woman is taken back by the encounter at first where she says, “…You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”

(John 4:9) as Jesus answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (John 4:10).

Jesus does not see this woman as a foreigner, or any less than anyone else. It’s one of the plenty times that Jesus used a social outcast when ministering. He understands the social stigma of the time. In John 4:17, Jesus notes of the woman having five husbands. Additionally she was a Samaritan, who normally did not associate with Jews. Jesus clearly is not restricted by the cultural norms and views. He listens, talks shares ministers, and loves the woman during this meeting. Verse 21-24 quotes Jesus’ words, sharing to her importance of attitude when worshipping. From a gender perspective, Jesus treats this woman with equality. He provides genuine love and care whereas many see her as a sexual object or an outcast. This woman had an equal opportunity to learn the truth, and she listened. Again, in a similar moment after his

resurrection, Jesus encounters Mary Magdalene in John 20:11. He approaches her at his tomb and appoints her to share the news of his resurrection (John 21:11-18). This is one of the most important and crucial moments in the entire New Testament when describing Jesus’ life on earth.

When understanding the characteristics of those who Jesus ministered to and appointed it is evident that women are not sexual objects and are not inferior to men.

Jesus came to earth as a perfect example of how God wants humans to live. In order to live like Jesus, there needs to be an understanding of how he treated women with love, acceptance and equality. Given the content in pornography along with its links to violence, objectification, and strengthening of harmful gender roles as suggested by the research, it sharply contradicts how Jesus wants people to live. Research helps tackle specific lustful harms of pornography in today’s world while scripture and Jesus’ life provide a model by which to live and love. This requires treating women with genuine love, acceptance, and equality.

The Salvation Army’s Role The Salvation Army provides a specific positional statement related to pornography. It clearly calls it a violation of the sanctity in our lives with God. The Salvation Army stands towards prohibiting pornographic material, along with efforts in doing so58. The positional statement further addresses the impacts of pornography including extramarital behaviors and addiction. It addresses the objectification of women in material along with distorting humans and relationships. Additionally this action is supported by research where pornography distorts healthy sex practices and ethics59.

58 59

http://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ipspornography Ibid.

Via the International Salvation Army website60, the statement provides practical responses to pornography. They were adapted and accepted in November 2014. They are listed below: 1.

The Salvation Army will not knowingly support (including by way of our investment

portfolios) any commercial enterprises that provide access to or promote pornographic material in marketing or sales. Upon having knowledge of their involvement, we will encourage disinvestment from any enterprise connected with the pornography industry.

2.

The Salvation Army will support public legislation which justly regulates the

production of and access to pornographic material.

3.

The Salvation Army will raise the public conscience against the pervasive

acceptance of pornography in easily accessible public spaces.

4.

The Salvation Army will work with those struggling to disengage from the use of

pornography, understanding that such assistance may at times include the provision of professional counselling and support.

5.

The Salvation Army supports sex education for youth which emphasizes the beauty of

human sexuality in accordance with biblical ideals.

6.

The Salvation Army supports efforts using any media to ensure that more people,

especially the young, have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the differences between what may be beneficial and what may prove harmful in terms of sexual content.

7.

60

The Salvation Army will oppose the sexual exploitation of all people in any form.

http://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ipspornography

8.

The Salvation Army will continue to maintain policies and procedures that prohibit

access to pornography in any programme or office site under its control. (Approved by the General – November 2014.)

The international positional statement provides a clear stance and action plan to combat pornography. One component missing is a detailed link to human trafficking. Due to the Salvation Army’s active role in fighting human trafficking, addressing its connection to pornography is important due to the excessive use and availability of material.

Furthermore, members of The Salvation Army agree to a signed covenant in order to become a soldier – a church member expressing a lifelong commitment to a Salvation Army corps. The covenant includes promises for soldiers to follow. This includes, “… abstain from alcoholic drink, tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit61”. The Salvation Army understands the prevalence and severity of pornography. This is seen in further action plans and advocacy throughout the international organization.

The Salvation Army joins an active religious alliance against pornography called RAAP – Religious Alliance Against Pornography. This campaign formed the original “White Ribbon Against Pornography”. (WRAP) campaign and includes leaders and speakers62.The Salvation Army’s USA Central territory recently enacted a WRAP Campaign. The campaign worked to educate the public about the negative implications concerning pornography. This included pornography addiction, the ease of acquiring material, influence of the material, and its prevalence in mainstream media. The campaign lasted from October 25th – November 1st, 2015.

61

http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/about-us/soldiers-covenant http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_wm.nsf/vwsublinks/3A26E0EFB182CAF388257E85005981 CE?openDocument 62

Wearing a white ribbon signified the stand against pornography. The WRAP campaign included provision of information such as research, biblical material, and songs to help facilitate conversation surrounding the topic63.

The Salvation Army takes a firm stand against pornography. The opportunity to implement programs, resources and/or counseling around this particular issue would provide valuable resources and help when combatting pornography and sex addiction. Other churches currently provide educational resources, methods for safe small groups, and links to sex addiction counseling for church members. Sharing information and strategies within Corps and community is important to promote open and safe setting for conversation and break down the taboo topic.

Suggested Areas for Further Study This paper suggests that the evidence of potential harms resulting from habitual pornography viewing deserves attention. The methodology for findings was examining multiple pieces of recent, peer reviewed, and published articles relating to the topic rather than original research, it suggests themes and relations interwoven between the findings. Pornography is an area that is increasingly normalized, accessed, and accepted. However, pornography contributes to serious damage in relationships. Men look at themselves differently, and they look at women differently. This strengthens unhealthy and burdensome gender roles – for women and men.

The examination of pornography addiction in relation to sex addiction needs to be addressed. For many, viewing pornography turns into an issue where many viewers hide the habit due to embarrassment. This includes many in the Christian community. Rather than

63

Ibid.

negatively viewing those who view pornography, expressing God’s love with open arms should lead society and the Salvation Army into working with people who struggle with this issue. This includes providing safe and confidential places, educational resources, conversation, recovery and rehabilitation.

Finally, the examination of the industry needs further study. The toxicity of the industry carries serious risks including trafficking, exploitation of the most marginalized peoples in society, the public media, and sex crimes throughout the world. Fighting human trafficking requires multiple angles of work including the growing use of pornography and the internet.

Bibliography Amato, P.R., & Previti, D. 2003. “People’s Reasons for Divorcing.” Journal of Family Issues 24 (5). 602 – 626.

Bergner, Raymond M. and Ana J. Bridges. 2002. “The Significance of Heavy Pornography Involvement for Romantic Partners: Research and Clinical Implications.” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy 28: 193-206.

Bridges, Ana J., Wosnitzer, Robert, Erica Scharrer, et al. 2010. “Aggression and Sexual Behavior in Best-Selling Pornography Videos: A Content Analysis Update.” Violence Against Women 16 (10). 1065 – 1085.

Cohen Almagor, Raphael. 2013. “Online Child Sex Offenders: Challenges and CounterMeasures.” The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice 52 (2). 190-215.

Cusack, Carmen and Matthew Waranius. 2012. "Nonconsensual Insemination and Pornography: The Relationship between Sex Roles, Sex Crimes, and "STRT," "Gay," and "Shemale" Films on Youporn.Com." Journal of Research in Gender Studies 2 (2): 15-33.

Davis, Kelly Cue. “Men’s Likelihood of Sexual Aggression: The Influence of Alcohol, Sexual Arousal, and Violent Pornography.” Aggressive Behavior (32) 581-589. http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/publications/PDF/Davis%20et%20al%202006%20viole nce.pdf D’Abreu, Lylla,Cysne Frota and Barbara Krahé. 2014. "Predicting Sexual Aggression in Male College Students in Brazil." Psychology of Men & Masculinity 15, 152-162.

Eileen L. Zurbriggen, et. al. 2010. “Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls” American Psychological Association, Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. 10.

Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report-full.pdf Klein, Carolina A. 2014. “Digital and Divergent: Sexual Behaviors on the Internet.” Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online 42. 495 – 503.

MacKinnon, Catharine A. 2005. “Pornography as Trafficking.” Talk given at “Pornography: Driving the Demand in International Sex Trafficking,” Captive Daughters and International Human Rights Law Institute.

Maddox, Amanda M. and Galena K. Rhoades and Howard J. Markman. “Viewing SexuallyExplicit Materials Alone or Together: Associations with Relationship Quality.” Archives of Sexual Behavior 2 (40): 441-448.

Mincey, Krista D., Moya Alfonso, Amy Hackney, and John Luque. 2014. "Being a Black Man: Development of the Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) for Black Men." Journal of Men's Studies 22, no. 3: 167-179.

O’Neil, Jim. “Summarizing 25 Years of Research on Men’s Gender Role Conflict Using the Gender Role Conflict Scale: New Research Paradigms and Clinical Implications.” The Counseling Psychologist (38): 358-445. Retrieved from http://www.psychologyofmen.org/gender-role-conflict/ Paul, Pamela. “Pornified”. 2005. Times Books: New York.

Phillips, Joshua Daniel. 2012. "Engaging Men and Boys in Conversations about Gender Violence: Voice Male Magazine using Vernacular Rhetoric as Social Resistance." Journal of Men's Studies 20, no. 3: 259-273.

"Pornography." The Salvation Army International. The Salvation Army, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2015. <http://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ipspornography>.

Schneider, Jennifer P. 2000. “A Qualitative Study of Cybersex Participants: Gender Differences, Recovery Issues, and Implications for Therapists.” Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention 7 (4). 249 – 278.

Szymanski, Dawn M. and Destin Stewart-Richardson. 2014. "Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Correlates of Pornography use on Young Adult Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships." Journal of Men's Studies 22 (1): 64-82.

Thompson, Martie P. and Deidra J. Morrison. 2013. "Prospective Predictors of TechnologyBased Sexual Coercion by College Males."Psychology of Violence 3, no. 3: 233-246.

Tylka, Tracy L. 2015. "No Harm in Looking, Right? Men’s Pornography Consumption, Body Image, and Well-being." Psychology of Men & Masculinity 16 (1): 97-107.

Wells, Melissa. 2012. “Exploring the Role of the Internet in Juvenile Prostitution Cases Coming to the Attention of Law Enforcement.” Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 21. 327-342.

Wright, Paul J., Robert S. Tokunaga, and Soyoung Bae. 2014. "More than a Dalliance?

Pornography Consumption and Extramarital Sex Attitudes among Married U.S. Adults." Psychology of Popular Media Culture 3 (2): 97-109.

Zitzman, Spencer T. and Mark H. Butler. 2009. “Wives’ Experience of Husbands’ Pornography Use and Concomitant Deception as an Attachment Threat in the Adult Pair-Bond Relationship.” Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. (2009): 210-240.