Feminism and Pornography Topic of Social Justice Series Discussion

Jan. 13, 2011—The Social Justice Series at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is set to present a unique event on Jan. 26 when two faculty members present “Feminism and Pornography.”

Set for 2 p.m. in the St. Croix Room of the University Center, the discussion will be lead by faculty members Michelle Parkinson and Travis Tubré. The presentation will cover some of the main perspectives in the debate on pornography and feminism, and an open discussion with audience members will follow.

Parkinson is an assistant professor of English at UWRF and her dissertation focused on sexuality politics in early modern England through readings of the letters and speeches of Elizabeth I and the plays of John Lyly and Christopher Marlowe. Her current research centers on the political, religious, social and legal rhetoric surrounding the phenomenon of execution in early modern England.

Tubré is an associate professor of psychology and an industrial/organizational psychologist. He is an active researcher, conducting collaborative research with students, publishing regularly and consulting with numerous corporations.

“Traditionally, feminists have seen pornography as a problem. They argue that it objectifies women, that it is produced primarily for male consumption, that it is sexist and demeaning and that it encourages sexual violence and objectification of women and girls in the real world. However, some feminists see pornography differently, viewing it as sexually and sometimes financially liberating for women who work in the industry,” says Parkinson.

For more information, contact Ashley Olson, sociocultural coordinator, at 715-425-4444.