The document discusses the perspectives of young people and pornography in the UK based on qualitative studies involving 70 young men and 25 young women. It finds that pornography is a major activity among young men, accessed through new online means. Pornography discourse reflects societal views that privilege male pleasure and present sex as consequence-free. While pornography validates some beliefs, it also creates unrealistic expectations that can disappoint and impact relationships. Pornography provides masturbation and a way to demonstrate heterosexuality for some young men. However, real change requires addressing the societal attitudes that pornography reflects in an extreme form.

1. Rude, Crude and Socially Unacceptable Young people and Pornography – a perspective from the UK Mark Limmer ( [email_address] ) Changing Up a Gear Young People’s Sexual Health and Well-being September 10 th & 11 th 2008 Manchester

3. Meaning of Pornography Erotica + power Majority activity among young men New way of accessing pornography

6. 3. Creates expectations that young men cannot fulfill and this has consequences for themselves and young women. 4. Young men see sex as their pleasure – women’s pleasure is reduced to a reflection of their expertise. Anything that reduces male pleasure is to be avoided. Impact is greatest where pornography reflects existing peer beliefs and where young men have fewest alternative frames of reference

7. What does pornography do for young men. Masturbation and pleasure – though not always acknowledged. As a source of information - filling a perceived gap Means of demonstrating heterosexuality in lieu of intercourse

8. Conclusions: Pornography reflects societal attitudes to sex – albeit in an extreme form. Real change needs to address societal change. Need to address how young men’s legitimate needs can be met in ways that are not about exploitation Need for a more open debate about pornography among professionals and with young people Ensure the issues of power and exploitation in relation to sex are central to sex and relationships education. Copies of the paper that this presentation is based on are available from [email_address]