Perversion for Profit summary

Exploring the Intersection of Sex and Politics

In Perversion for Profit, Whitney Strub delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between sex and politics in America. He begins by tracing the historical development of obscenity laws and the role of pornography in shaping public discourse around sexual morality. Strub highlights how these laws have been used to regulate and control sexual expression, with a particular emphasis on the role of conservative politics in driving these efforts.

Strub then explores the pivotal moment of the 1960s, a period marked by significant shifts in both sexual attitudes and political dynamics. This era saw the emergence of the New Right, a conservative movement that strategically leveraged opposition to pornography to advance its broader social and political agenda. The author argues that the New Right's focus on obscenity laws and anti-pornography activism was not just about moral outrage, but also a means to galvanize political support and mobilize a conservative base.

The Rise of Anti-Pornography Activism

As the book progresses, Strub examines the rise of organized anti-pornography activism, led by groups such as Morality in Media and Citizens for Decent Literature. He discusses their tactics, including the use of legal challenges, public shaming, and lobbying efforts to restrict the production and distribution of sexually explicit material. Strub also explores the ideological underpinnings of these movements, highlighting the intersections between conservative Christianity, traditional gender roles, and anti-pornography activism.

Further, Strub looks at the impact of anti-pornography activism on freedom of expression and sexual liberation movements. He discusses the ways in which feminist and LGBTQ+ activists, while often critical of the porn industry, also raised concerns about the potential for anti-pornography efforts to restrict sexual autonomy and reinforce oppressive societal norms.

The Emergence of the 'Family Values' Agenda

In the latter part of Perversion for Profit, Strub turns his attention to the political implications of anti-pornography activism. He argues that the New Right's focus on sexual morality, including opposition to pornography, was instrumental in shaping the broader 'family values' agenda. This agenda, centered on traditional notions of family, gender, and sexuality, became a defining feature of conservative politics in the late 20th century.

Strub also examines the ways in which anti-pornography activism intersected with broader issues of race, class, and power. He discusses how anti-obscenity efforts often targeted marginalized communities, and how debates about pornography became entangled with larger struggles for civil rights and social justice.

Concluding Thoughts on Sexual Politics

In conclusion, Perversion for Profit offers a thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of sex and politics in America. Strub's work sheds light on how anti-pornography activism has been used as a tool to advance conservative agendas, while also illuminating the broader social and cultural implications of these efforts. By critically examining the historical and political dimensions of anti-pornography activism, Strub encourages readers to consider the complex ways in which sexual morality has been intertwined with American political life.